APC heavyweights storm Kano as Yusuf’s defection turns Sani Abacha Stadium into political arena

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors Forum are among top party figures expected in Kano for the formal defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as the Sani Abacha Stadium is transformed into a major political convergence point.

By Monday morning, the stadium had taken on the atmosphere of a national convention ground, with hundreds of supporters arriving early while workers mounted tents, hoisted party banners and installed sound equipment. Security presence was visibly intensified across the area ahead of the high-profile event.

The defection is expected to draw a powerful delegation from the APC national leadership led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, alongside several APC governors, signalling the strategic importance the ruling party attaches to the development.

Former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is also billed to attend, in what party insiders describe as a symbolic return to Kano’s political centre stage.

The governor is expected to cross over to the APC with federal and state lawmakers, all 44 local government chairmen, and thousands of supporters, in a move that observers say could dramatically reshape the political equation in the state and consolidate the party’s influence in the North-West.

The event follows a series of closed-door consultations held with key party stakeholders on Sunday to finalise logistics and harmonise positions ahead of the ceremony. Party officials said the talks reflected growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and policy direction.

Amid the political activities, attention was also drawn to the recent fire at the popular Singer Market. Party leaders who visited the scene commiserated with affected traders and pledged collaboration with relevant authorities to support rebuilding efforts and put in place measures to prevent a recurrence.

Political analysts say the defection marks a significant realignment in Kano, a state long regarded as a critical battleground, and could boost the APC’s electoral outlook in future contests.