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There is growing political tension in Kano as some high-profile members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano appear set to abandon the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This follows a closed-door meeting in Abuja with APC’s national leader, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Among those reportedly involved in the talks are Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila and federal lawmakers Kabiru Rurum, Ali Madaki, and Badamasi Ayuba, all of whom are considered influential within Kano’s political sphere.
The meeting, described as strategic and forward-looking, is said to be part of a larger move to realign with the ruling APC as internal dissatisfaction grows within the NNPP.
The defecting lawmakers reportedly cite exclusion, perceived injustice, and poor internal structures as their reasons for jumping ship from the Kwankwaso-led movement.
However, Senator Sumaila’s spokesperson, Abbas Adam Abbas, played down the development, telling Nasara Radio that although discussions with APC leaders happened, it doesn’t confirm Sumaila’s exit from the NNPP.
He admitted the APC had made overtures, but insisted no final decision had been reached.
Political watchers say the return of these lawmakers could shift Kano’s political balance and strengthen APC’s hold ahead of the 2027 elections.
During a recent public address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio boasted about the APC’s chances of reclaiming Kano, pointing to the combined efforts of Ganduje, Senator Barau Jibrin, and others as instrumental to the party’s strategy.
In reaction to the situation, NNPP Chairman in Kano, Hashim Dungurawa, lashed out at the defectors, labelling them as previously suspended “saboteurs” who had long worked against the party’s unity.
“They’re not people we rely on. We acted fast by suspending them before they could do more damage,” Dungurawa said. He stressed that while party loyalty is valuable, betrayal is not tolerated.
“We won’t miss them,” he concluded.