Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, have mobilised Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities in Kano State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election and Governor Yusuf’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The mobilisation took place during an empowerment programme organised by Abejide, who represents Yagba West, Yagba East and Mopa-Muro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, where he announced a N500 million business empowerment grant for Yoruba women residing in Kano.
Abejide, who disclosed that he had lived in Kano for over 30 years, described the state as his second home, noting that a significant part of his wealth was established and secured in Kano before venturing into politics.
As part of his commitment to empowering non-indigenous residents, the lawmaker also distributed food items, clothing and other household materials to members of other communities, including the Igala, Ebira and Bassa.
He declared his support for President Tinubu, Governor Yusuf and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, urging beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture through their votes.
Abejide promised to return with additional empowerment initiatives if the beneficiaries demonstrated continued support, adding that his next intervention would target Hausa and Fulani communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Governor Yusuf urged other members of the National Assembly to emulate Abejide by extending support to their communities and other Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences, to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who attended the gathering, said the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf was important to non-indigenes in Kano, considering the federal government projects attracted to the state and the infrastructural development being undertaken by the Kano State Government.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of a N3 billion fundraising initiative for the construction of an ultra-modern palace for the Oba of Yoruba in Kano.
Abejide donated N220 million towards the project, while two of his associates contributed N200 million and N500 million, respectively. The Kano State Government also donated N100 million.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional representatives and members of Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities, underscoring efforts to mobilise political support across ethnic groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
