Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared Kano as home to all Nigerians and urged Yoruba Ebira Igala and other non-indigenous communities in the state to massively support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027.
Governor Yusuf stated this in Kano at the weekend while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the N600 million empowerment programme organised by the Leke Abejide Foundation for widows and vulnerable persons.
The governor described the gathering as a celebration of unity progress and empowerment noting that the initiative aligns perfectly with his administration’s vision of community engagement peaceful coexistence and inclusive development for all residents regardless of ethnic religious or cultural background.
In his words ‘It gives me great privilege and joy to stand before you today at this grand gathering of unity progress and empowerment of our people. I am here in person to give my full backing to this initiative one that aligns with our administration’s vision of peaceful coexistence and development for all residents of Kano State.’
Governor Yusuf specifically commended the convener Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide Chairman House Committee on Customs and Excise for demonstrating foresight humanitarian concern and political leadership through his foundation.
He said Abejide’s story moved him recalling that the lawmaker came to Kano as a young man schooled in Kano raised his first capital in Kano and ventured into business and politics from Kano.
‘Despite reaching the peak of his political career he has not forgotten his roots. For us his roots are in Kano.
‘He has not forgotten those who have been with him all these years. He has decided to come back to assist them. The good people of Kano remain ever grateful to you’ the governor said.
He also thanked Abejide’s wife for supporting her husband’s humanitarian interventions.
Governor Yusuf reiterated that Kano remains a home for all stressing that his administration believes every resident who contributes to the state’s social and economic vitality deserves respect representation and support.
‘To demonstrate our commitment to inclusive governance we have made strategic appointments to ensure representation of major non-indigenous communities. This includes the appointment of Special Advisers on Yoruba Affairs Igbo Affairs and Northern Minorities.’
He assured that following the large turnout of Ebira and Igala communities his government will in due course extend such appointments to members of the Ebira and Igala communities living in Kano.
On politics Governor Yusuf said mobilising over one million Yoruba residents in Kano for political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections was timely and strategic.
‘The Yoruba community the Igalas and the Ebiras in Kano have always been known for their industriousness political maturity and peaceful disposition. Mobilising this vibrant population to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and all APC candidates in Kano is crucial to securing national stability economic renewal and continued development’ he said.
He said he would not dwell much on President Tinubu’s achievements as former Governor Yahaya Bello had already enumerated them. Still he noted that Kano today is different from Kano in 2023.
‘In 2023 we were in the opposition. Today by the grace of Allah the governor elected in 2023 is now a full member of the ruling party the APC with the President as leader. Today 24 out of 27 members of the State House of Assembly are in APC. 9 out of 14 House of Representatives members are in APC. Two out of three Senators are in APC. All 44 Local Government Chairmen all 484 Councillors plus commissioners and advisers are all in APC working round the clock to ensure 100 per cent success for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’
He expressed optimism that the Yoruba Igala Ebira and other ethnic communities alone will deliver more than 1.5 million votes for the President.
‘Kano is your home. Kano is your home. Kano is your home. For me you have no other place but Kano. You must take Kano as your first home. That is why we are making Kano comfortable and secure for you’ he declared.
On the proposed Oba of Yoruba palace Governor Yusuf directed the organisers to stop the plan to purchase land saying the state government will provide land free of charge.
‘I don’t think it is fair for me to allow you to purchase land in Kano when the governor is the chief custodian of all lands. Withdraw that money and channel it elsewhere. I want to see the design and the Bill of Quantities. Thereafter Kano State Government will key into the full construction of the palace’ he announced.
The governor also announced a personal donation of N100 million to support the empowerment programme and other logistics.
He urged beneficiaries especially widows and indigent persons to use the resources wisely to become self-reliant.
‘Let us carry this momentum into our communities structure our strength and vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates’ he concluded.