By Hagxy Don
In a bold political twist that further strengthens the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)'s grip on Kano State, the National Chairman of the party and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has received three prominent members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) from the state’s National Assembly delegation. The high-profile meeting, which took place in Abuja, marks a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors include Senator Kawu Sumaila, a political heavyweight and former Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters; Hon. Ali Madaki, a ranking member of the House of Representatives and staunch grassroots mobilizer; and Hon. Alhassan Ado Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current federal lawmaker representing Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency.
The trio met with the APC National Chairman in a closed-door meeting that lasted several hours at the APC National Secretariat, sparking excitement among APC loyalists and sending shockwaves through the NNPP ranks. Sources close to the meeting disclosed that the decampees cited a loss of confidence in the leadership of the NNPP, internal wrangling within the party, and their desire to align with a party that has a clearer national direction as major reasons for their decision.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, Ganduje, visibly elated, described the development as “a homecoming for our brothers who never really left in spirit.” He commended the lawmakers for their courage and foresight in returning to the APC fold and assured them of full integration and participation in the party’s affairs both at the state and national levels.
“This is a strategic and welcome move. These are tested politicians with massive followership in Kano. Their decision to rejoin the APC reaffirms the strength of our party and the failure of the NNPP to deliver real governance. We are open to more returning members,” Ganduje said.
Political analysts say this defection could drastically alter the political configuration in Kano, which had been a battleground between the APC and the NNPP since the last general elections. With these key figures returning to the APC, it is expected that more defections may follow, particularly as the internal crises rocking the NNPP continue to escalate.
Senator Sumaila, speaking briefly on his next steps, stated, “We have taken this decision after wide consultations with our supporters and stakeholders. We believe this is in the best interest of our people and the development of Kano State.”
The APC’s latest gains are seen as a calculated effort to consolidate power in Kano, a state that remains pivotal in Nigeria’s national politics due to its high voter population and strategic position in the North.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, today’s development is widely regarded as the beginning of a fresh political realignment that may further tip the scales in favour of the ruling APC, not just in Kano, but across the North-West.
Further announcements are expected in the coming days, as the APC leadership intensifies efforts to welcome more defectors and solidify its base ahead of future electoral contests.