Open Memo to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf -By Abba Dukawa

I hope this memo finds you well. I am sharing it openly, not as an act of disrespect, but to ensure it reaches you without delay. Below are my thoughts on Kano State’s shifting politics as we approach the 2027 general election, with a focus on recent changes within the Kano APC. Kano 2027: APC Unity as the Key to Stability and Electoral Success

Your Excellency, as a politician, you understand that electoral success rarely rests on individual popularity or performance alone. It often hinges on strategic alliances — deliberate coalitions that pool resources, consolidate influence, and broaden appeal. Kano’s political landscape is both competitive and fluid, making unity and reconciliation among stakeholders more critical than ever.

Historically, alliances have shaped Kano’s electoral outcomes. Your recent defection to the APC marks a significant turning point and signals a realignment that could redefine the state’s political structure ahead of 2027.

The 2023 gubernatorial election offers a clear example. Governor Yusuf secured 1,019,602 votes, while the former APC candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, garnered 890,705 votes. The narrow margin highlights both the depth of political engagement in Kano and the importance of consolidating diverse blocs to secure victory.

Your entry into the APC now presents a rare opportunity to unite these blocs. By fostering dialogue and collaboration with key figures such as Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, DSP Barau Jibril, Hon. Murtala Sule Garo, and other critical party stakeholders especially from Kano South senatorial district , the APC can present a cohesive and formidable front. Such unity would strengthen electoral prospects, enhance grassroots mobilization, and reduce internal uncertainty.

That said, the road to 2027 is not without challenges. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso retains considerable influence, and his loyal base remains capable of mounting strong opposition. Any internal division within the APC could be exploited to shift the balance.

The APC must also guard against “December politics” — the last-minute realignments that often disrupt party cohesion. Proactive efforts to strengthen internal unity well before the election will be essential.

This is not out of disrespect to you and your exalted office you may need to adjust how you relate with people. There’s a growing perception that you’ve become distant and less accessible since your defection to the ruling party — a sharp contrast to the compassionate leader many once knew. Both high and low segments of People complain that you no longer pick up calls, regardless of who is calling, and that you’ve created a sense of inaccessibility around you. At this stage, adopting a more deliberate and strategic approach to political recognition will be crucial in rebuilding trust and maintaining loyalty.

You need to adopt political rewards, whether tangible or symbolic, help sustain loyalty, reinforce party structures, and encourage participation. When applied judiciously, they serve not just as transactions but as tools for building durable alliances and consolidating trust while preserving transparency and credibility.

Recognizing the 2023 Ganduje-Barau-Garo collaboration, for instance, could help leverage their grassroots networks to reinforce APC structures across the state.

Ultimately, party unity is vital not only for electoral victory but also for effective governance. A cohesive political structure improves policy implementation, service delivery, and public trust. In a state as complex as Kano, governance and political unity are inseparable.

*Furthermore, the ongoing selection of a deputy governor should be approached with careful wisdom. In my view, the candidate should be a grassroots politician from the old APC bloc, preferably from Ganduje’s side. If Murtala Garo is not chosen, someone from Kano South should be considered, particularly Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya. He is acceptable to both the Ganduje and DSP Barau camps, and his reputation for respect, humility, and loyalty makes him the kind of deputy you can rely on completely.*

As we approach 2027 general elections, it is clear that the election will be decided not by rhetoric alone, but by strategy, structure, and the strength of alliances. Governor Yusuf stands at a critical juncture with the opportunity to unify the APC and shape Kano’s political future.

The path forward is clear: sustained unity within the APC, strategic coalition-building, and effective management of opposition dynamics will be decisive in securing both electoral success and long-term stability.

May we continue to prioritize the collective interest of Kano State above all else. Kano First.

Dukawa write it from Abuja can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com