The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described the defection of Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling party as a major victory that signals a new phase of unity and development in the state.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Ganduje said both the APC and Governor Yusuf were happy with the decision, adding that the political rivalries had been laid to rest.
He noted that issues surrounding party leadership would be addressed in due course, explaining that the current APC leadership structures were temporary and would soon be renewed through congresses.
Ganduje emphasised that the APC was now focused on supporting the governor to succeed, arguing that the success of the government would be a collective achievement for the party.
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On concerns about party strategy and leadership arrangements following the governor’s defection, Ganduje said there was no written national directive yet, adding that such issues would not pose serious problems.
He explained that traditionally, the APC gives sitting governors the first right of refusal when it comes to seeking re-election, although this is not expressly stated in the party’s constitution.
Ganduje said the ultimate goal of governance was to deliver progress and improve the welfare of the people, stressing that the APC was ready to work with the governor to achieve that objective.
He also spoke on the relationship between the APC and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying reconciliation remained possible.
Governor Yusuf formally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC earlier this week, a move that has continued to generate reactions across Kano’s political landscape.
