Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant political shift in northern Nigeria, eight members of the House of Representatives from Kano State have formally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing persistent internal party crises and leadership disputes as key reasons for their decision. This move highlights ongoing political realignment in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were officially announced during a plenary sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, marking a formal transition of allegiance by the lawmakers to the ruling APC. The lawmakers attributed their departure to unresolved internal disputes within the NNPP that, according to them, hindered effective political engagement and representation.
Political analysts note that this latest shift follows a broader trend of defections from the NNPP in Kano State. Earlier this year, 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, alongside local council chairpersons and party officials, also resigned from the NNPP to join the APC. The move followed the resignation of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from the NNPP, a decision the governor framed as a strategy to foster unity and cooperation with the federal government.
The defections weaken the NNPP’s representation in both federal and state legislative bodies. Officials leaving the party have cited leadership disputes and internal crises as the main reasons for their realignment. Political observers view this as part of a larger struggle within Nigeria’s parties to retain elite political actors, particularly in states where federal influence and party performance are critical to electoral outcomes.
Adding to the NNPP’s challenges, its founder and prominent political figure, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, recently resigned from the party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This move, along with the exit of his allies, has reshaped opposition politics in Kano and further questioned the NNPP’s future viability. Kwankwaso’s shift to the ADC was marked by high-profile endorsements and public events, signaling a broader reconfiguration of political alliances in the state.
Despite these defections, NNPP leadership has downplayed the impact, describing the exits as predictable outcomes of Nigeria’s fluid political landscape rather than a threat to the party’s survival. Party officials argue that internal disagreements have long been part of the party’s structure and that the organization can remain relevant amid shifting allegiances.
For the APC, the influx of former NNPP members strengthens its political presence in Kano State, a key battleground with a significant electorate. The party views these developments as a reinforcement of its position and a strategic advantage ahead of party primaries and the 2027 elections.
Observers, however, warn that the wave of defections reflects the fluidity of party loyalty in Nigeria and could affect voter sentiment, potentially influencing election outcomes in Kano and beyond. The realignment highlights the strategic calculations of politicians ahead of elections, often prioritizing opportunity and influence over long-term party affiliation.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the impact of these defections will likely shape campaign strategies, candidate selection, and voter mobilization efforts. The APC’s growing influence in Kano may give it a tactical advantage, but emerging opposition coalitions, including those anchored by the ADC and other parties, suggest a more dynamic and unpredictable political landscape than in previous election cycles.
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