Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically irrelevant in Kano, declaring that the party lacks the strength to win any election in the state. Speaking at Government House, Kano, after returning from the APC National Convention in Abuja and the party's Northwest Zonal Congress in Kaduna, Yusuf said, "ADC and other opposition parties no strong at all. Make people no allow demself to carry by other parties. APC na the strongest party wey dey for Nigeria." He expressed confidence in winning a second term under the APC and affirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, praising Tinubu's efforts to improve the economy and infrastructure. Yusuf pledged continued focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment.
Earlier, a large crowd welcomed Yusuf at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, following his convoy into the city. Meanwhile, ADC's pioneer national chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, explained the inclusion of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola in the party's leadership, stating, "Senator Mark represent the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Aregbesola represent the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Labour party get the National Organizing Secretary." He cited coalition dynamics and INEC's stance as factors behind the party's expanded membership. Nafiu Bala, former ADC national vice chairman, contested his exclusion, citing breaches of Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the party's constitution. Ahmad Gogel, associate of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, confirmed Gawuna's defection to ADC, calling it a collective decision after consultations. Kano APC spokesman Alhassan Garba Yarya said the defection would not weaken the party, stating, "APC still command massive support across the state."
Abba Kabir Yusuf's outright dismissal of ADC's relevance in Kano politics reveals how deeply entrenched the APC sees itself, despite visible defections. The governor's confidence, anchored in party structure rather than individual popularity, suggests that internal cohesion—not personality—will define the 2027 contest. For ordinary Kano residents, this signals that political shifts at the top may not translate to tangible changes in governance priorities. The real test will be whether development promises match electoral rhetoric.
