A non-partisan civic movement, One Kano Agenda, has said that the political party under which a governor operates is less important than the quality of governance delivered to the people, following the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kano, the group said its position was guided strictly by the interests of Kano State and not by party politics.

Addressing journalists, the Director-General of One Kano Agenda, Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, stressed that the organisation remains a strictly non-partisan civic platform committed to unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.

“Our allegiance is not to any political party or coalition, but solely to Kano State and its people. Kano comes first, always,” Yakasai declared.

According to the group, a governor’s change of political party is irrelevant as long as governance remains inclusive, people-centred, and focused on tangible development outcomes. It noted that leadership should be assessed based on actions, policies, and results rather than party labels.

One Kano Agenda said it was prepared to engage constructively with any administration that demonstrates commitment to peace, security, economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and youth and women empowerment, regardless of party affiliation.

The group also commended Governor Yusuf for establishing the Kano Elders Forum, describing it as a laudable initiative capable of strengthening unity, stability, and long-term thinking in the state if sincerely sustained.

“The creation of a non-political forum of respected elders reflects an appreciation for wisdom, experience, and moral authority in governance,” the group said.

However, One Kano Agenda cautioned the governor against allowing political pressures or external influences to derail his primary responsibility to the people of Kano State.

“Kano State is bigger than any political party. Its future must never be subordinated to partisan battles, external political calculations, or personal ambitions,” the group warned.

The organisation further cautioned political actors and other stakeholders against exploiting the current political situation to spread division, misinformation, or tension within the state, urging maturity and restraint.

It called on citizens and the media to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the state, including unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare delivery, urban development, and economic revitalisation.

In a show of goodwill, One Kano Agenda extended an open hand of engagement to the governor and his administration, offering policy ideas, research, and citizen-driven input aimed at improving governance and accelerating development.

“Democracy allows for political movement, but it also demands accountability and results,” the group stated, urging residents to prioritise performance, integrity, and impact over party affiliation.

The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to Kano State above politics and personal ambition.

The statement was jointly signed by Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, Director-General of One Kano Agenda, and Barrister Moukhtar Musa, Secretary-General of the organisation

A prominent politician and ally of NNPP National Leader Buba Galadima said the late President Muhammadu Buhari made sure that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s victory at the polls during the 2023 general election was affirmed and announced by INEC.

Buba Galadima stated this in an interview with Arise Television.

Buba said the late President was bitter when, prior to the general election, former Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje addressed the late President as Habu Na Habu, meaning a drunkard who goes naked on the streets.

Buba Galadima was reacting to the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC from the NNPP, a brainchild of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Buba Galadima said Almighty Allah is on their side and He gives power to whom He wishes, and Abba became the Governor.

He said at the Tribunal they were given victory, but the judgment was changed in Abuja and they appealed. He said the judges were intimidated and they declared Gawuna.

According to him, when they took the case to the Supreme Court, three judges said they did not want a bloodbath in Kano, and on January 12, 2024, they reaffirmed Abba Kabir Yusuf as Governor of the state.

Buba Galadima was reacting to the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressive Congress where Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is the party leader in Kano

Presidential hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has condemned what he described as a deliberate attempt by aides of President Bola Tinubu to fracture Nigeria along regional and ethnic lines, warning that such rhetoric amounts to a betrayal of the Nigerian nation.

Hashim said the renewed push for a North–South dichotomy by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a desperate political diversion, aimed at shielding the Tinubu administration from scrutiny over worsening economic and governance outcomes.

Reacting to a statement attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hashim described the strategy as “pedestrian, reckless, and fundamentally undermines Nigeria’s National Security interest”

“Dividing Nigeria along regional lines in order to escape accountability for governance failure is shameful and dangerous. It is a direct betrayal of the oath to defend the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Hashim said.

Addressing the build up to the 2027 general elections, the PDP chieftain dismissed arguments centered on rotational presidency, insisting that Nigerians are no longer interested in symbolic power-sharing formulas.

“Nigerians are not asking for a Northern or Southern president. They are asking for a competent president, one who can revive the economy, secure lives and property, and unite the country around a shared future, of Prosperity ” he stated.

Hashim reminded the APC that both regions have had substantial opportunities to govern Nigeria since 1999, noting that the South has produced presidents for approximately 17 years, while the North has governed for about 10 years within the same democratic period.

“Leadership failure cannot be blamed on geography. Both regions have governed. What matters now is performance, not origin,” he said.

He warned that resurrecting ethnic narratives at a time of deep economic distress, rising insecurity, and social fragmentation only exposes the ruling party’s lack of credible solutions.

“Using ethnicity and region to mask incompetence is not only lazy politics, it is a direct insult to Nigerians who are struggling to survive,” Hashim added.

Calling on citizens across the country to reject divisive politics, Hashim stressed that the APC would not be able to hide behind regional sentiment in the next election cycle.

“Come 2027, Nigerians will vote for leadership, not tribal loyalty. The era of emotional blackmail is over,” he concluded.