By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and political allies are targeting one million votes from Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections. Yusuf announced the target on Saturday during a women’s empowerment programme organised by House of Representatives member Leke Joseph Abejide in Kano. The programme featured a N500 million interest-free loan scheme for women and widows.
Abejide Launches N500m Empowerment Scheme
Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, said the initiative reflects his commitment to supporting Kano residents.
He also serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Asiwaju of the Yoruba people in Kano.
The lawmaker explained that Kano played a significant role in his personal and business development.
He recalled arriving in the state in February 1993 as a young man from Alu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to him, Kano provided opportunities that shaped his business career before he entered politics.
Having spent more than three decades in Kano, Abejide described the state as his second home.
He also emphasised his strong relationship with residents across different ethnic groups.
Interest-Free Loans Target Women and Widows
Abejide explained that the N500 million revolving facility would support women and widows operating small businesses.
He said beneficiaries would access interest-free loans through their cooperative societies.
Furthermore, the programme would allocate funds according to each beneficiary’s business capacity.
“This N500m interest-free loan scheme is specifically designed for women and widows residing in Kano.
“It is a revolving facility that will enable beneficiaries to grow their businesses sustainably.
“Once repaid, the funds will support other deserving women,” Abejide explained.
He assured beneficiaries that the programme would remain sustainable beyond immediate political activities.
Additionally, he promised monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
Widows to Receive Financial and Material Support
Abejide disclosed that widows would receive direct financial assistance through their bank accounts.
The intervention aims to strengthen their existing petty businesses and improve household income.
Moreover, all participating women will receive rice and six yards of printed wax fabric.
The programme covers women from eight Yoruba-speaking states living in Kano.
These states include Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara.
It also covers Ebira, Igala and Bassa communities from Kogi State residing in Kano.
Abejide Targets One Million Votes for Tinubu
Abejide declared his support for Tinubu, Governor Yusuf and other APC candidates ahead of 2027.
He urged beneficiaries to support the party through their votes during the elections.
The lawmaker expressed concern over Tinubu’s performance in Kano during the 2023 presidential election.
He noted that the President secured slightly more than 500,000 votes in the state.
Consequently, the result motivated him to mobilise Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities more effectively.
“We are targeting no fewer than one million votes from Yoruba and other non-indigene communities.
“Our target covers all 44 local government areas of Kano for President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf in 2027.
“The non-indigene voting strength in this state is enormous and must be fully harnessed this time,” he stated.
Abejide also promised additional empowerment programmes if the communities sustain their support.
He disclosed that his next intervention would target Hausa and Fulani communities in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
Yusuf Urges Lawmakers to Promote National Unity
Governor Yusuf commended Abejide for extending assistance beyond his immediate constituency.
He urged other National Assembly members to adopt similar initiatives across ethnic and religious boundaries.
According to Yusuf, such interventions would strengthen national unity and peaceful coexistence.
He also praised the lawmaker’s inclusive approach to community development.
“I commend Hon. Abejide for this gesture and call on other lawmakers to follow this example.
“This inclusiveness strengthens our democracy and brings people together,” the governor said.
Yusuf added that his administration and political allies would mobilise one million votes for Tinubu and APC in Kano.
He also acknowledged the importance of support from non-indigenous communities in achieving the target.
N3bn Yoruba Palace Project Unveiled
Another major highlight was the launch of a N3 billion fundraising initiative.
The project will fund the construction of an ultra-modern palace for the Oba of Yoruba in Kano.
Abejide donated N220 million towards the construction project.
Meanwhile, two of his associates contributed N200 million and N500 million, respectively.
The Kano State Government also pledged N100 million towards the initiative.
Political leaders, traditional representatives and members of Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities attended the event.
The empowerment programme and political mobilisation reflect growing efforts to secure cross-ethnic support in Kano.
Political actors are increasingly engaging different communities ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
