APC Blows Hot Over Governor Yusuf’s Defection, Automatic Ticket
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi, The Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the controversy surrounding an “automatic ticket” for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will only be addressed after the governor formally completes his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC. Recall that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had officially resigned his membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
It was gathered that the governor tendered his resignation on Friday, a move that comes amid sustained speculation over his imminent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, the APC chairman, Abbas confirmed that the ruling party in Kano is already positioning itself to receive the governor and his political structure, describing the move as a strategic political gain for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“He is welcome to our party, because politically no right-thinking politician will reject a political addition,” Abbas said, adding that politics “is a game of numbers” and any defection that strengthens the party’s base translates into electoral advantage.
He said the APC had consistently maintained an open-door policy, stressing that anyone who “has seen the beauty of our party and wants to join us” would be accommodated. On the sensitive issue of an automatic ticket for Governor Yusuf, Abbas downplayed the controversy, insisting that it is premature. “That is not an issue for now. It is an issue of when all processes are completed and whoever is coming has finalized his or her defection processes,” he said. He disclosed that the governor is not expected to defect alone, revealing that elected local government chairmen, councillors and other political office holders would also move with him into the APC.
“This goes beyond contesting. It is about how APC as a political party emerges victorious in the 2027 general elections,” Abbas stated, noting that negotiations and internal arrangements would be made to accommodate both old and new members without triggering internal crises.
He also hinted that, historically, incumbent governors rarely lose party primaries in Nigeria, though he maintained that all options remain open. “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,” he added. Addressing the delay in the governor’s defection, Abbas dismissed months of speculation as “rumours,” blaming media assumptions and social media narratives.
“A governor’s defection is not something one can just wake up and do. There are processes involved,” he said, suggesting the delay was likely due to “high-level consultations,” though he admitted he was not privy to the internal details. In a message to party members, Abbas urged restraint and unity, warning against internal conflicts.
“Let us all focus on the party’s success first,” he said, adding that the APC leadership would continue to preach peaceful coexistence and internal stability. He further claimed the party remains committed to resolving Nigeria’s political and governance challenges, declaring that the APC is working to “ensure that Nigerians smile again.”
