Tinubu pledges N5bn for Singer Market fire victims as Kano Governor joins APC
President Bola Tinubu has committed N5 billion in relief funds to assist traders affected by the recent Singer Market fire in Kano, a development that coincided with the entry of Governor Abba Yusuf into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) added another N3 billion, bringing the total relief support to N8 billion.
The announcement was made during a visit to the market on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President.
Shettima expressed the federal government’s solidarity with victims, emphasising that the funds were intended to provide immediate relief and not to serve as compensation for the losses sustained.
“The government will continue to collaborate with Kano State authorities to ease the hardship of affected traders and facilitate recovery,” he said.
The N3 billion donation from APC governors was announced by Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Other governors in attendance included Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Dikko Radda (Katsina).
Following the market visit, Shettima and the APC governors attended a political event at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Governor Yusuf was formally received into the APC.
Shettima hailed Kano as a politically strategic state, asserting: “Wherever Kano moves, the nation moves with it.
‘XWe gather here today to welcome one of the sons of Kano into our party.”
Receiving the APC flag as state leader, Yusuf pledged inclusive governance, stating, “It is what gives Kano progress that matters, not my convenience.
”Kano is too strategic to be disconnected from the federal government. My decision was driven by responsibility, not personal interest.”
He commended President Tinubu’s reform policies, noting that Kano must align with national priorities in jobs, security, and infrastructure development.
APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda formally handed over the party flag to Yusuf, describing the defection as a major boost to the party.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin pledged full support for Yusuf’s “Kano First Agenda,” while former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje highlighted the governor’s move as a step toward strengthened party unity.
In a show of inclusiveness, the APC leadership and Governor Yusuf agreed on a 60–40 leadership-sharing formula between new entrants and existing members in Kano State.
Party officials said the arrangement aims to ensure unity, active participation, and effective governance within the state party structure.
Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration, stating that Kano would remain united and aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
