The Kwankwasiyya-Shekarau Unity Forum has declared its support for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and announced a change of name to Abba Gida-Gida–Shekarau Unity Forum.

The declaration was made during a visit by members of the group to the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.

Speaking during the visit, the forum’s chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Saminu (DOC), said the group was established following the merger of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 to work for the success of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

According to him, although their political leader, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, later left the movement, many members remained loyal but were not initially recognised for their contributions.

He credited the Commissioner for Information with bringing the group closer to the state government and giving its members a sense of belonging.

“That is why we are here today to declare our total support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and to rename our organisation as the Abba Gida-Gida–Shekarau Unity Forum,” Saminu said.

He added that the forum believes Governor Yusuf deserves continued support because of what it described as his achievements since assuming office.

Saminu praised the administration’s performance in education, healthcare, security, youth and women empowerment, road construction and infrastructure development, saying these accomplishments influenced the group’s decision to publicly back the governor.

In his response, Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya thanked the members for their support and described them as committed politicians who have chosen to prioritise the development of Kano State.

He said their endorsement of Governor Yusuf for a second term reflected confidence in the administration’s performance and commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.

Waiya also dismissed criticism of the governor, insisting that it would not distract the administration from its development agenda.

He assured the forum that the state government would continue to work closely with the group as part of efforts to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.