A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, has called on Yoruba and other non-indigenous communities in Kano state to mobilise at least two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections. This appeal was made during the 2026/2027 Kano State Empowerment Programme organised by the Leke Abejide Foundation. The event saw hundreds of millions of naira worth of financial and material support unveiled for women, widows, and other beneficiaries from Yoruba, Ebira, and Igala communities resident in the state.
The lawmaker, who represents Yagba West, Yagba East, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, disclosed that the beneficiaries were drawn from Yoruba communities originating from various states, as well as the Ebira and Igala ethnic groups of Kogi State. Abejide, also the Asiwaju of Yoruba people in Kano, explained that his foundation’s empowerment initiative was extended to Kano due to his longstanding relationship with the people, having lived and conducted business in the state for about 34 years.
The intervention aims to provide sustainable economic opportunities and lift beneficiaries out of poverty through business support, rather than relying on temporary handouts. Abejide disclosed that the foundation had earmarked N500 million for interest-free loans to women organised into cooperative societies, including widows and other businesswomen, to strengthen their businesses and improve their economic independence. Food items, clothing, and direct financial assistance were also distributed to widows.
To ensure accountability and sustainability, Abejide established a monitoring mechanism to track the loans and ensure repayment. Beneficiaries who fail to fulfil their repayment obligations will not qualify for subsequent rounds of the scheme. Abejide also plans to introduce a separate empowerment programme for youths and male entrepreneurs, particularly unemployed young people, to equip them with resources and opportunities needed to become self-reliant.
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who attended the event, expressed dissatisfaction with the nearly 500,000 votes President Tinubu received in Kano State during the 2023 presidential election. He challenged the Yoruba and other ethnic communities to consolidate their political participation and work towards delivering a higher number of votes in the 2027 elections. Bello expects Abejide to mobilise at least two million votes for Tinubu in the next presidential election.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, assuring non-indigenous communities of their rights, security, and opportunities to participate in governance. The governor has made strategic appointments to accommodate different ethnic groups, including special advisers representing Yoruba, Igbo, and northern minority communities. He commended Abejide for extending his foundation’s empowerment activities beyond his federal constituency.
The governor urged beneficiaries to utilise the support judiciously to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and strengthen their households. The event demonstrated Abejide’s philanthropic efforts, showcasing leadership that transcends geographical boundaries. Key stakeholders are optimistic about the potential impact of Abejide’s initiative on the local communities and the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Hon. Leke Abejide targets 2 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Kano State.
- Abejide’s foundation empowers Yoruba, Ebira, and Igala communities with financial and material support.
- Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello expects Abejide to mobilise significant votes for Tinubu in 2027.
