Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has criticized the 500,000 votes secured by President Bola Tinubu in Kano State during the 2023 general election, asserting that the political potential of non- indigenous populations in the region remains underutilized.
Speaking at a public empowerment event in Kano on Saturday, Bello urged Yoruba and other ethnic minority groups to intensify their grassroots mobilization. He argued that the previous tally fell short of expectations and called for a massive surge in electoral support to back both the presidency and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the upcoming 2027 polls.
"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 stated during the gathering.
Echoing similar sentiments, House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenged non-indigenous communities to mobilize a minimum of two million votes for Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bello expressed strong confidence in Abejide's leadership, insisting that the targeted voting bloc must extend down the ballot to senatorial, House of Representatives, and state assembly seats.
Furthermore, the former governor appealed to citizens across the northern region to rally behind Tinubu's second-term bid. He reasoned that allowing the current administration to complete two terms is vital for maintaining political stability, drawing comparisons to the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Addressing infrastructural concerns, Bello defended the federal government's performance, pointing to ongoing construction work on the Kano-Abuja Federal Highway as a clear indicator of development priorities in the north. He noted that personal inspections confirmed steady progress on the critical transport artery.
What did Governor Yusuf say about non-indigenous residents?
In his response, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized his administration's dedication to inclusivity and security for all residents, regardless of their ethnic origins. Yusuf highlighted that his government has already integrated various groups by appointing special advisers from Yoruba, Igbo, and northern minority communities, with plans to include Igala and other groups.
"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," Governor Yusuf affirmed.
Governor Yusuf also commended lawmaker Leke Abejide for bringing humanitarian and empowerment initiatives outside his primary constituency, encouraging beneficiaries to use the provided resources to scale up their enterprises and improve household stability.