NNPP Losing Ground in Kano, Says Deputy Senate President

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has characterized the recent wave of defections from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a clear indication of the political trajectory in Kano State leading up to the 2027 elections.

During a gathering over the weekend, Senator Jibrin welcomed a group of prominent NNPP members, including supporters from the party’s former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso‘s home ward and the state’s current governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf. The defections were spearheaded by Yahaya Sa’idu Kwankwaso, a former councillor from Kwankwaso Ward in Madobi Local Government, along with Hon. Abdulhamid Ahmad Diso, a former deputy speaker of Gwale Local Government Area (LGA), and Hon. Shu’aibu Isa Kubaraci, among others. Additionally, Hon. Garba Alhassan Dawaki, a notable figure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led a defection of former councillors and PDP members from Dawakin Kudu LGA to the APC.

Motivation for Defections

According to Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau’s media adviser, the primary motivation behind these defections was the Senator’s developmental achievements in Kano State, which the defectors cited as their reason for joining the APC.

Political Implications for 2027

In his remarks, Senator Barau affirmed that the mass defections signal a major shift in the political landscape of the state, stating, “The mass defections of NNPP members to the APC signal what lies ahead for 2027.” He further asserted that the NNPP’s influence in Kano North had diminished significantly, with the APC poised to take over in Kano South and the remnants of the NNPP now largely confined to a few streets in Kano Central.

Senator Barau assured the new members that they would receive fair treatment and equal opportunities within the APC, describing it as an inclusive platform where everyone has a chance to succeed. He also expressed his commitment to working with the new members to accelerate the development of Kano State and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda for progress and prosperity.