The Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi, has said the issue of an “automatic ticket” for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is not a priority now, insisting it will only be addressed after the governor formally completes his defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC.
Sanusi spoke when he addressed questions on the controversial automatic ticket for the governor, stating that the matter would be considered only after the defection process was concluded.
The governor had recently resigned his membership of the NNPP, a move that sparked renewed speculation over his imminent switch to the ruling APC.
In an interview with Daily Trust, the APC chairman said the party was already positioning itself to receive the governor and his political structure, describing the move as a strategic gain ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“He is welcome to our party, because politically no right-thinking politician will reject a political addition,” Sanusi said, adding that politics “is a game of numbers” and any defection that strengthens the party’s base translates into electoral advantage.
He said the APC had maintained an open-door policy, stressing that anyone who “has seen the beauty of our party and wants to join us” would be accommodated.
On the sensitive issue of an automatic ticket for Governor Yusuf, Sanusi downplayed the controversy, insisting that it was premature.
“That is not an issue for now. It is an issue of when all processes are completed and whoever is coming has finalized his or her defection processes,” he said.
Sanusi also disclosed that the governor was not expected to defect alone, revealing that elected local government chairmen, councillors and other political office holders would also move with him into the APC.
“This goes beyond contesting. It is about how APC as a political party emerges victorious in the 2027 general elections,” he stated, noting that negotiations and internal arrangements would be made to accommodate both old and new members without triggering internal crises.
He also hinted that, historically, incumbent governors rarely lose party primaries in Nigeria, though he maintained that all options remain open.
“If the circumstances warrant that a primary should hold, so be it. But the issue of automatic ticket for the governor is not our major concern for now,” he added.
Addressing the delay in the governor’s defection, Sanusi dismissed months of speculation as “rumours,” blaming media assumptions and social media narratives.
“A governor’s defection is not something one can just wake up and do. There are processes involved,” he said, suggesting the delay was likely due to “high-level consultations,” though he admitted he was not privy to the internal details.
In a message to party members, Sanusi urged restraint and unity, warning against internal conflicts.
“Let us all focus on the party’s success first,” he said, adding that the APC leadership would continue to preach peaceful coexistence and internal stability.
He further claimed the party remains committed to resolving Nigeria’s political and governance challenges, declaring that the APC is working to “ensure that Nigerians smile again.”
