Defectors cite dissatisfaction with APC leadership in the state
In a fresh wave of political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections, no fewer than 50 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The group cited growing discontent with the APC’s internal leadership crisis and alleged neglect of grassroots members as their reason for switching allegiance.
The defection took place over the weekend at a well-attended ceremony in the Gwale Local Government Area of Kano, where the new members were received by NNPP leaders, including representatives of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
According to party officials, the defectors comprised youth leaders, women mobilisers, and ward coordinators who had been active within the APC before deciding to join what they described as a “progressive movement that truly represents the people.”
NNPP welcomes defectors, promises inclusiveness
Receiving the new members, the Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, expressed delight at the development, describing it as a reflection of the people’s confidence in the party’s leadership and vision.
He said: “We are happy to welcome our brothers and sisters from the APC into the NNPP family. This is a sign that Kano people are beginning to recognise the sincerity of purpose that drives our government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The NNPP is a party of the people, for the people.”
Dungurawa assured the defectors that they would be given equal opportunities and full integration into the party structure at both local and state levels. He also urged them to mobilise more supporters to strengthen the NNPP’s grassroots network ahead of future elections.
Defectors pledge loyalty to NNPP’s ideals
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former APC youth leader, Bashir Abdullahi, said the group had lost confidence in the APC due to what he described as “persistent internal wrangling and lack of clear direction.”
Abdullahi stated: “We have endured years of neglect within the APC, where only a few individuals benefit while loyal members are sidelined. The NNPP has shown that it listens to ordinary people, and we are convinced that this is the right platform for us.”
He commended the NNPP-led state government for prioritising education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, adding that such people-oriented policies convinced them to make the move.
Political observers weigh in on Kano’s shifting dynamics
Political analysts in Kano say the defection underscores the deepening political realignment taking place in the state, which has long been a key battleground in Nigerian politics.
Dr. Ibrahim Shehu, a political science lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, noted that “the growing strength of the NNPP in Kano cannot be ignored. Since 2023, the party has steadily expanded its base, largely due to the popularity of Governor Abba Yusuf and the influence of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”
He added that the defection of grassroots members from the APC may be an early indication of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 elections, as political alliances continue to shift.
NNPP vows to consolidate Kano dominance
Meanwhile, the NNPP’s state leadership has vowed to consolidate its dominance in Kano by strengthening unity among members and delivering more dividends of democracy.
Dungurawa emphasised that Governor Yusuf’s administration remains committed to inclusive governance, transparency, and developmental progress. “We are building a new Kano where politics serves the people, not the other way around,” he said.
As the state’s political climate continues to evolve, both the APC and NNPP are expected to intensify efforts to consolidate their respective bases—signalling what could be a fiercely contested political season in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.
