Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured that concerns over an automatic ticket for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, following his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and impending defection to the APC, will be amicably resolved through dialogue once all processes are completed.
In an exclusive interview reported by Daily Post, Truth Live News learnt that the Kano APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi welcomed the governor’s move, describing it as a valuable political addition. “He is welcome to our party, because politically no right thinking politician will reject a political addition and as you know, politics is a game of numbers. Therefore defection to your party means addition to your number and by extension an increase to our success during the polls,” he stated.
The chairman emphasized that Governor Yusuf would not defect alone, noting the inclusion of elected local government chairmen, councilors, and other office holders. “We await his coming and believe me we will work out a modality that will ensure the success of the party in a unanimous manner without any form of crisis between old members and the new members,” Abbas said.
Addressing speculations about an automatic ticket amid potential primary contests, he downplayed immediate tensions: “That is not an issue for now, it is an issue of when all processes are completed… Therefore, it is an issue of when all has been finalized, then we will sit down and map out a strategy that all will benefit from. The issue goes beyond contesting; it is an issue of how APC as a political party emerges victorious in the 2027 general elections.”
He acknowledged the rarity of incumbents losing primaries but left room for flexibility: “In my personal view, I believe in Nigerian political contests, it is very hard for an incumbent governor to fail the primaries… However, if the circumstances warrant that a primary should hold, so be it. But the issue of automatic ticket for the governor is not our major concern for now, we will perfect everything when he comes.”
On delays in the defection, rumored since December, Abbas attributed them to necessary high-level consultations rather than official announcements. “All the stories that the governor was coming on this date or on that day were mere rumours… it had to do with high level consultations. The governor wouldn’t want to leave anyone behind,” he explained.
Urging unity, the chairman advised both existing and incoming members to prioritize party success and peaceful coexistence. “To our APC members and all other members joining us, let us understand that God gives and takes power… Therefore let us all focus on the party’s success first. I will always continue to preach peaceful coexistence as members of the best political party in the country,” he said, reaffirming the APC’s commitment to addressing national challenges and restoring smiles to Nigerians.
