Yoruba and Kogi Communities Rally in Kano; Governor Yusuf, Yahaya Bello Back Initiative as ₦500 Million Women’s Empowerment Scheme Takes Centre Stage
November 2, 2026
Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, the Asiwaju of Yoruba in Kano and member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency, has unveiled an ambitious grassroots mobilisation initiative targeting one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kano State during the 2027 presidential election.
The initiative was announced at the 2026/2027 Empowerment Programme organised by the Leke Abejide Foundation for Yoruba and Kogi communities residing in Kano.
The event attracted Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, and the Oba of Yoruba in Kano, HRH Oba Murtala Alimi Otisese.
Fuji music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, also attended, while comedian Seyi Law anchored the programme.
GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION ACROSS KANO’S 44 LGAS
Addressing participants, Abejide outlined plans to establish political mobilisation structures across Kano’s 44 local government areas, extending through wards and polling units.
He called for greater political cooperation among Yoruba, Kogi and other non-indigenous communities, describing their participation as an important component of the state’s electoral landscape.
Abejide recalled that President Tinubu secured just over 500,000 votes in Kano during the 2023 presidential election, arguing that stronger organisation could significantly increase support in 2027.
His target of one million votes represents a political objective rather than a guaranteed electoral outcome.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello challenged supporters to aim even higher, proposing a target exceeding two million votes.
Bello praised Abejide’s combination of community development and political engagement, describing economic empowerment as an important contribution to grassroots participation.
₦500 MILLION EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN
Beyond electoral politics, Abejide announced a ₦500 million interest-free revolving loan scheme designed to support women traders and small-business operators.
Beneficiaries will be organised into cooperative societies according to their businesses, allowing the foundation to monitor disbursements and repayments.
The scheme will be linked to beneficiaries’ Bank Verification Numbers to strengthen accountability and sustain the revolving fund.
Abejide explained that cooperatives failing to honour repayment obligations would risk exclusion from subsequent funding.
Widows registered with the foundation are also expected to receive direct financial assistance.
Participants received rice and Ankara fabric, while the lawmaker announced plans for a separate empowerment initiative targeting youths and men engaged in business.
According to Abejide, the foundation has assisted more than 10,000 widows and supported examination fees for over 50,000 students during the past eight years.
GOVERNOR YUSUF SUPPORTS YORUBA PALACE PROJECT
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf commended Abejide’s philanthropic activities and reaffirmed Kano’s longstanding tradition of accommodating Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds.
He announced support for the proposed construction of a permanent palace for the Oba of Yoruba in Kano, including assistance with land and a personal donation of ₦100 million.
Additional pledges announced at the event included ₦200 million attributed to Alhaja Salem, ₦500 million from an anonymous donor and land valued at approximately ₦220 million.
These remain reported commitments pending confirmation of disbursement and project implementation.
The proposed palace is intended to strengthen the cultural identity and institutional representation of the Yoruba community in Kano.
FROM BUSINESS SUCCESS TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Reflecting on his personal journey, Abejide recalled arriving in Kano from Alu, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, in February 1993.
He credited the commercial opportunities available in Kano with helping him establish his business career.
The lawmaker described his empowerment programmes as an expression of gratitude to a state that contributed significantly to his success.
The gathering demonstrated how community development, cultural engagement and political organisation can intersect in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive electoral environment.
It also highlighted the participation of non-indigenous communities in Northern Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, the eventual significance of these initiatives will depend on their implementation, voter participation and the independent electoral choices of residents.
THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS’ POSITION
The National Patriots commend Abejide’s grassroots mobilisation of non-indigenous communities in Kano as a significant dimension of political organisation ahead of 2027. Similar initiatives across Northern states could broaden President Tinubu’s electoral reach. Our earlier projection of victory in 25 states reflects an assessment of such emerging political structures, although actual results will depend on voter turnout and preferences. Community empowerment, inclusive participation and sustained engagement should remain central to political mobilisation, with electoral support freely determined by citizens.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR
President, The National Patriots
Member, APC-PCC Strategic Communications Team
