APC gains momentum in Kano as top opposition figures join party, back Tinubu, Yusuf

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has recorded a major boost ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several prominent politicians from opposition parties defecting to the ruling party.

The new entrants include former elected officials, former party executives and other influential political actors who have pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Among the notable politicians listed as joining the APC are Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga; former Kano State Governor and Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya; former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Yusuf Bello Dambatta; former NDC Deputy Chairman, Aliyu Datti Yako; and former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isyaku Ali Danja.

Also on the list is Senator Mas’ud Eljibrin Doguwa.

Other defectors named in the statement include former Kano State NNPP Chairman, Abdullahi Zubairu Imam Abiya; former NNPP Senatorial Candidate, Senator Abdulmajid Dauda Dandawaki; former Commissioner and Special Adviser, Senator Baraka Sani; and former Ungogo Local Government Chairman, Muhammad Badaru Umar.

The statement further identified several former NDC and PDP officials among the new APC members.

They include former NDC Kano State Woman Leader, Amina Sirajo; former NDC Assistant Woman Leader, Hauwa’u Turaki; former NDC Chairman, Gezawa, Gambo Hamza; former NDC Chairman, Kura, Handanu Umar; and former NDC Director-General, Saminu Shehu Kura.

Others are former NDC Youth Leader, Danladi Musa Garko; former NDC Auditor, Sahabi Garba; former Gwale Local Government Chairman, Sani Jibrin Dan Zara; and former Makoda Local Government Chairman, Hassan Abba Makoda.

The influx of opposition figures is expected to further strengthen the APC’s political machinery in Kano as the party steps up its mobilisation for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, the new members will support the campaigns for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf.

The APC leadership welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a boost to the party’s efforts to deepen political cohesion and widen its grassroots presence across the state.

The party also urged its members and supporters to remain united and embrace the new entrants as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.