About Governor Abba K Yusuf

A dedicated leader committed to transforming Kano State through innovative governance, inclusive development, and sustainable growth.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

Biography & Background

Abba Kabir Yusuf is a Nigerian politician who currently serves as the governor of Kano State, assuming office in 2023. Prior to his governorship, he held the position of commissioner in the executive council of Kano State from 2011 to 2015.

Abba Kabir Yusuf was born on January 5, 1963, in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State. His early Islamic education was under the guidance of his late grandfather, Alhaji Yusuf Bashari, who served as the District Head of Gaya.
Abba Kabir Yusuf attended Sumaila Primary School from 1968 to 1975 before proceeding to Government Secondary School Dawakin Tofa. He later completed his secondary education at Government Secondary School Lautai in Gumel in 1980.

He furthered his studies at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, in Gongola State (now Adamawa State), earning a National Diploma (ND) in Civil Engineering in 1985. He went on to obtain a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources/Environmental Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic in 1989. Additionally, Abba Kabir Yusuf pursued postgraduate studies at Bayero University, Kano, where he obtained a postgraduate diploma and a master's degree in business administration.

In 1989, Yusuf served the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps at the Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA). He later joined the Kano State Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA), where he held various positions.

In 2009, President Umaru Musa Yaradua appointed Abba Kabir Yusuf as the chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in Ondo State, a position he held until 2011.

Abba Kabir Yusuf began his political journey as the personal assistant to Egnr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso when Kwankwaso was the governor of Kano State. He continued serving as Kwankwaso's personal assistant when Kwankwaso became a federal minister in 2003. In 2011, when Kwankwaso was reelected as the governor of Kano State, Yusuf was appointed as the Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport.

In 2018, Abba Kabir Yusuf was selected by Rabiu Kwankwaso to challenge the incumbent Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 gubernatorial election. Although he lost the election, he filed a case before the election tribunal, which was ultimately dismissed by the court.

In 2022, Abba Kabir Yusuf switched from the PDP to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and was again endorsed by Rabiu Kwankwaso to contest in the 2023 elections, this time challenging Nasir Yusuf Gawuna. He emerged as the winner on March 20, 2023, and received his certificate of return on March 29, 2023.

Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected as the governor of Kano State on March 18, 2023, on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party. He was inaugurated into office alongside his running mate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, on May 29, 2023.

Leadership Qualities & Values

Visionary Leadership

Forward-thinking approach to governance with long-term strategic planning

Inclusive Governance

Commitment to representing all citizens regardless of background or affiliation

Transparency & Accountability

Open governance with regular public reporting and citizen engagement

Innovation & Technology

Embracing modern solutions to address traditional challenges

Youth Empowerment

Dedicated focus on creating opportunities for young people

Economic Development

Strategic initiatives to boost economic growth and job creation

Awards & Recognition

National and international recognition for outstanding governance and development initiatives

Good Governance Award
2023

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Recognized for transparent and people-oriented governance policies

Excellence in Education
2023

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)

For massive investment in education and student support programs

Infrastructural Development
2024

NUJ Correspondents' Chapel, Kano State

For urban renewal projects and road infrastructure development

Revolutionizing Agriculture
2024

Kano Agricultural Development Agency & Farmers Association

For agricultural reforms and support to local farmers

Grassroots Friendly Governor of the Year
2024

Arewa Youth Awareness Assembly

For policies directly benefiting common people at grassroots level

Security and Humanitarian Services
2024

Northern Nigeria Peace and Security Advocacy Group

For improving security and humanitarian interventions in the state

Blueprint Governor of the Year
2023

Blueprint Newspaper

Media recognition for impactful first-year performance

Daily Nigerian Governor of the Year
2023

Daily Nigerian Newspaper

Media award for bold policies and reforms in first 100 days

Excellence in Humanitarian Services & Youth Empowerment
2023

Human Rights Watch Africa

For social intervention programs and youth development initiatives

Vision

To transform Kano State into a model of sustainable development, economic prosperity, and social inclusion, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the growth of our great state.

Mission

To provide transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance that prioritizes the welfare of all citizens through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.

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AKY

Transforming Kano State