The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has announced that it is fully prepared to welcome Governor Abba Yusuf and other political figures into its fold, with only the Presidency’s official date for the event pending.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, the APC State Secretary, confirmed that the party had concluded all arrangements for the governor’s defection. He added that the APC was awaiting confirmation from the Presidency to set the date for the official move.
“We have concluded all arrangements to receive Governor Yusuf and other political figures, and we are now waiting for the Presidency to fix a date,” Sarina stated.
During the recent APC stakeholders’ meeting, Sarina said that discussions revolved around the progress of the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration and the future direction of the party. He described the registration exercise as an added advantage for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although the issue of Governor Yusuf’s potential defection came up during the meeting, Sarina emphasized that the party was not opposed to it and, in fact, welcomed the development.
“Nothing much about the defection was discussed, but of course, the matter came up. We don’t have anything against it. In fact, we are happy,” he said, stressing that the party’s priority was to strengthen its base and prepare for future electoral victories.
Sarina reiterated that any move that strengthens the party is welcomed, particularly as the APC continues to focus on winning elections at every level.
“Any addition to our fold is what we are looking for. The ultimate goal is to win elections at the end of the day,” Sarina added.
Sarina also commented on the political future of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), noting that the APC would not pressure him to join.
While acknowledging that Kwankwaso seemed uninterested in aligning with the party, Sarina welcomed the idea if the former Kano governor ever decided to make the move.
“For Kwankwaso, it seems he is not interested, and that is fine. If he decides to come, he is welcome,” Sarina said.
However, Sarina cautioned that the APC would not tolerate internal crises and divisions within its ranks. He alleged that Kwankwaso’s past political engagements often brought tensions and conflicts.
“All that we don’t want from him is crisis. He is the type of person who, wherever he is, there must be crisis and tension,” Sarina remarked.
Sarina also dismissed concerns that Kwankwaso’s influence could destabilise the APC or the political climate in Kano. He emphasised that with the APC holding power at the federal level, the party would remain firmly in control and would not allow any individual to disrupt its unity.
“With the government at the centre, I don’t think he will have much influence to destabilise anything,” Sarina added.