Nigeria: What Tinubu Told Us Ahead of Gov Yusuf's Defection - Barau

28 January 2026
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By Salim Umar Ibrahim

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Kano State to fully support Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of his defection to the party, urging unity and cooperation to ensure effective governance.

Barau disclosed this on Tuesday in Kano while speaking with journalists. He said President Tinubu advised party stakeholders to work closely with the governor and avoid actions that could distract him from delivering good governance to the people of the state. He emphasised that President Tinubu understood political complexities and encouraged APC leaders in Kano to embrace the governor "as one family," adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda had attracted politicians to the party.

He said as a result of this, all forms of political rivalry and personal ambitions within the party have been shelved in the interest of stability and progress.

"That is why we said issues of aspirations and contests should be dropped. I have dropped mine. If truly we are for the people, then we must support him," he said.

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According to him, denying the governor the opportunity to secure a second term would undermine ongoing efforts and negatively affect governance in the state.

The deputy senate president said the APC's focus in Kano must now shift to supporting Governor Yusuf to succeed, stressing that unity within the party was critical to development.

"What is important now is to support him and also advise him, including with prayers. The situation in Kano demands that we come together in a democratic way to help him succeed," Barau said.

Drawing from his experience, Barau recalled stepping aside in the past for party unity, including during contests for leadership positions and governorship races in Kano.

Barau said Governor Yusuf was now free to run the government as he deemed fit, including appointing commissioners without pressure. "We will not distract him," he said.

Meanwhile, Barau announced a rebranding of his political structure, saying the Tinubu/Barau Organisation would now be known as the Tinubu, Abba, Barau Organisation, urging supporters to queue behind the governor for Kano's development.

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