Kano Governor and Lawmaker Aim for One Million Non-Local Votes for Tinubu

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced that his government and political partners are aiming for one million votes from Yoruba and other non-indigenous groups in Kano for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.

Yusuf made this known on Saturday during an empowerment event hosted by Leke Joseph Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State. Abejide also introduced a N500 million interest-free loan scheme for women and widows living in Kano.

According to PUNCH Online, Abejide, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and is a notable Yoruba leader in Kano, said this intervention is part of his promise to give back to the people of Kano, which he sees as his home and the base of his success.

"I came to Kano in February 1993 as a young boy from Alu in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. This city gave me the opportunities that helped shape my business career before I got into politics," Abejide said.

Having spent over 30 years in Kano and built his wealth there, he views the state as his second home and feels a deep connection with its diverse people.

The N500 million interest-free loan program is aimed at women organized in cooperative societies. Beneficiaries will receive support based on their business needs.

"This N500 million interest-free loan scheme is specifically for women and widows in Kano. It is a revolving fund that will help them grow their businesses. Once repaid, the funds will go to other deserving women," Abejide explained.

"Widows will get direct financial help in their bank accounts to boost their small businesses. All participating women will also receive rice and six yards of printed wax fabric," he added.

The scheme targets women from eight Yoruba-speaking states: Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, and Kwara. It also includes Ebira, Igala, and Bassa communities from Kogi State living in Kano.

Abejide assured beneficiaries that this program is meant to be a lasting support, not just a temporary political act. He mentioned that there will be checks in place to ensure accountability.

He expressed his support for Tinubu, Yusuf, and other APC candidates in the upcoming elections, encouraging the beneficiaries to show their appreciation through their votes.

Abejide noted that Tinubu only received about 500,000 votes in Kano in 2023. This result has motivated him to better mobilize the large Yoruba and non-indigenous community.

"We aim for at least one million votes from Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities across all 44 local government areas in Kano for President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf in 2027. The voting power of non-indigenes in this state is huge and must be used this time," he stated.

He also promised to start new programs if they keep receiving support, mentioning that his next initiative would focus on Hausa and Fulani communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area.

In his speech, Yusuf called on other National Assembly members to follow Abejide's example and help their constituents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

"Such efforts would encourage national unity and peaceful living among Nigerians," the governor said.

"I commend Hon. Abejide for this initiative and urge other lawmakers to adopt this inclusive approach that strengthens our democracy and unites people. With help from our non-indigenous communities, we are determined to gather the one million votes needed to win for President Tinubu and the APC in 2027," Yusuf added.

Another key moment of the event was the launch of a N3 billion fundraising campaign for a new palace for the Oba of Yoruba in Kano.

Abejide contributed N220 million to the project, while two associates gave N200 million and N500 million. The Kano State Government promised N100 million.

The event saw attendance from political figures, traditional leaders, and members of Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities.

This effort is part of a wider strategy by political figures to gain support from various ethnic groups in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.