A non-partisan civic movement, One Kano Agenda, has said that the political party under which a governor operates is less important than the quality of governance delivered to the people, following the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kano, the group said its position was guided strictly by the interests of Kano State and not by party politics.
Addressing journalists, the Director-General of One Kano Agenda, Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, stressed that the organisation remains a strictly non-partisan civic platform committed to unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.
“Our allegiance is not to any political party or coalition, but solely to Kano State and its people. Kano comes first, always,” Yakasai declared.
According to the group, a governor’s change of political party is irrelevant as long as governance remains inclusive, people-centred, and focused on tangible development outcomes. It noted that leadership should be assessed based on actions, policies, and results rather than party labels.
One Kano Agenda said it was prepared to engage constructively with any administration that demonstrates commitment to peace, security, economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and youth and women empowerment, regardless of party affiliation.
The group also commended Governor Yusuf for establishing the Kano Elders Forum, describing it as a laudable initiative capable of strengthening unity, stability, and long-term thinking in the state if sincerely sustained.
“The creation of a non-political forum of respected elders reflects an appreciation for wisdom, experience, and moral authority in governance,” the group said.
However, One Kano Agenda cautioned the governor against allowing political pressures or external influences to derail his primary responsibility to the people of Kano State.
“Kano State is bigger than any political party. Its future must never be subordinated to partisan battles, external political calculations, or personal ambitions,” the group warned.
The organisation further cautioned political actors and other stakeholders against exploiting the current political situation to spread division, misinformation, or tension within the state, urging maturity and restraint.
It called on citizens and the media to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the state, including unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare delivery, urban development, and economic revitalisation.
In a show of goodwill, One Kano Agenda extended an open hand of engagement to the governor and his administration, offering policy ideas, research, and citizen-driven input aimed at improving governance and accelerating development.
“Democracy allows for political movement, but it also demands accountability and results,” the group stated, urging residents to prioritise performance, integrity, and impact over party affiliation.
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to Kano State above politics and personal ambition.
The statement was jointly signed by Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, Director-General of One Kano Agenda, and Barrister Moukhtar Musa, Secretary-General of the organisation