The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has formally invited Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to join the ruling party, declaring its readiness to welcome him in the interest of unity and development of the state.

The invitation was conveyed by the State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, in a statement issued in Kano on Tuesday.

Abbas said the call was made on behalf of the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

According to him, the move to invite Governor Yusuf is guided by the need for reconciliation, political stability and collective progress in Kano State.

“The APC is ready to receive Governor Abba Yusuf with open arms so that, together, we can combine our strengths for the progress of the state,” Abbas said.

He explained that the planned defection of the governor had generated reactions within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), under whose platform Yusuf was elected.

Abbas noted that the development had reportedly caused divisions within the NNPP, especially with the party’s national leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said to be opposed to the governor’s move to the APC.

The APC chairman added that upon his formal entry into the party, Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stakeholders would be received under the leadership of Ganduje in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

He stressed that the APC’s invitation was not borne out of political pressure but from a genuine desire to build a united and prosperous Kano State.

The News reports that the governor has yet to publicly confirm plans to defect from the NNPP.