Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed dissatisfaction with the 500,000 votes President Bola Tinubu received in Kano State during the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the voting strength of non-indigenous communities in the state should not be underestimated.
He challenged the Yoruba and other ethnic communities to consolidate their political participation and work towards delivering a higher number of votes in the 2027 elections for the President and the Governor Abba Yusuf.
“Your voting population in Kano delivered nearly 500,000 votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last presidential election. That performance was not satisfactory and we must do better this time,” Bello said.
This is even as a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, challenged Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities in Kano State to mobilise at least two million votes for Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Abejide made the call on Saturday at an empowerment programme in Kano.
Speaking at the event, Bello expressed confidence in Abejide’s mobilisation capacity, saying he expected the lawmaker to mobilise at least two million votes for Tinubu in the coming presidential election.
“I am convinced that the votes he mobilises for Mr President should not be less than two million, if not more. And this should not be limited to the presidential election. We must also work for all APC candidates, from the President to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly,” he added.
Bello also appealed to Nigerians, particularly those in the North, to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that the President should be allowed to complete two terms in office in the interest of political stability.
“After eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is from the North, President Tinubu has not even completed his first four-year term. Must he complete his eight years before power returns to the North?” he asked.
On infrastructure, Bello defended the Tinubu administration’s performance, citing progress on the Kano-Abuja Federal Highway as evidence of its commitment to development in the North.
He disclosed that he had sent someone to inspect the project and expressed satisfaction with the level of work reportedly achieved.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, assuring non-indigenous communities of their rights, security and opportunities to participate in governance.
The governor said his administration had made strategic appointments to accommodate different ethnic groups, including special advisers representing Yoruba, Igbo and northern minority communities.
He added that the government would consider extending similar representation to Igala and other communities living in Kano State.
Describing the Yoruba, Igala and other non-indigenous groups as important contributors to Kano’s economic and social development, Yusuf urged them to continue participating in the state’s political and economic activities.
“Kano is your home. You must take Kano as your first home. Our doors will always remain open, and our administration will continue to protect your rights, guarantee your peace and ensure that you fully participate in the economic and political progress of our state,” he said.
The governor commended Abejide for extending his foundation’s empowerment activities beyond his constituency, describing the initiative as an example of philanthropy and leadership that transcends geographical boundaries.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the support judiciously to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and strengthen their households.
