Kano Governor vows Northern Nigeria will back Tinubu in 2027 election

Kano Governor pledges Northern support On 17 October 2026, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced that the North would back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections. The statement was made during the inauguration of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign office in Abuja, an event reported by both Punch and Daily Trust. Yusuf said that Kano, the state with the highest voter base in the North, would lead the mobilisation effort and that the region would deliver a massive turnout in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A4A movement launched The A4A initiative is designed to coordinate political engagement across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the elections. According to Daily Trust, former Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar has been appointed as the national coordinator of the movement. Yusuf highlighted that the platform would provide a structured way to rally supporters and strengthen the region’s collective influence on the national ballot.

Vice‑President stresses accountability Vice‑President Kashim Shettima spoke at the same ceremony, stressing that political support must be matched by accountability, good governance and tangible improvements for citizens. Shettima highlighted economic challenges and called for sustained attention to security, education, poverty reduction and job creation. His remarks were echoed in the Daily Post coverage of the event.

Historical agreement cited Yusuf referenced a mutual arrangement made in 1999 between the North and the South, which he said allowed each region to enjoy two consecutive presidential terms. He noted that the agreement was honoured during the two‑term tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In his words, the North would not breach this “promise” and would therefore support Tinubu 100 per cent. This claim was reported by the Daily Post.

Implications for the 2027 campaign The governor’s declaration signals a significant shift in the political landscape, as the North’s large electorate could prove decisive in the upcoming elections. By positioning Kano as the leading state in the region, Yusuf aims to galvanise a unified front for the APC. The A4A movement’s coordination across northern states is expected to streamline campaign logistics and messaging, potentially giving Tinubu a strategic advantage over his rivals.

The announcement has already attracted attention from political analysts who view the North’s endorsement as a critical factor in shaping the electoral outcome. While the APC’s national campaign remains in its early stages, the backing of Kano and the broader northern bloc may influence the party’s strategy and resource allocation as the 2027 elections approach.