50,000 NNPP members may decamp to APC in Kano

In what promises to be a seismic shift in Kano’s political landscape, over 50,000 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) are reportedly set to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The anticipated defections come in the wake of growing disenchantment within the NNPP, coupled with renewed vigor within the APC following strategic appointments and robust mobilization efforts.

Central to this political momentum is the recent appointment of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the position of Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

Ata, a political stalwart in Kano, has galvanized support for the APC, particularly among grassroots members who see his appointment as a reaffirmation of Kano’s relevance in the national political sphere.

Political observers attribute the defections to the NNPP administration’s perceived inconsistencies and faltering governance in Kano. Many who initially joined the Kwankwasiyya movement, led by former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are reportedly disillusioned, describing their experience as a betrayal of the ideals they were promised.

One such member, Alhaji Sani Musa from Gwale Local Government, shared his frustrations. “Wallahi, we were deceived by mere slogans and promises. Kwankwasiyya seemed like the answer to Kano’s problems, but look at us now—policies that don’t touch the masses and leaders who have become distant from the people. APC has shown us they know how to balance governance with action.”

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Similarly, Ibrahim Aliyu from Dala expressed regret over leaving the APC for the NNPP in the first place. “Baba, I won’t lie to you. Many of us moved to Kwankwasiyya because of emotions and pressure. But APC has done internal housekeeping, and with Tinubu’s focus on inclusivity, we are ready to come back home. NNPP is like a basket full of holes—leaking everywhere.”

Fatima Umar, a Kwankwasiyya member from Kumbotso, highlighted the empowerment programs initiated by the APC as a significant draw for younger voters. “For us women and the youth, NNPP failed woefully. We need action, not just talk. APC under Tinubu and Abdullahi Ata is delivering results. I’m ready to work for APC to bring more progress to Kano.”

The expected defections, described by insiders as a “political tsunami,” are a culmination of months of strategic groundwork laid by APC leadership at both the state and national levels led by the National Chairman of the APC, former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

According to sources within the party who preferred anonymity, a massive rally will be organized in Kano before the year ends to welcome the decampees officially. “This rally will be historic. We’re bringing back thousands who now realize APC is the only party with a vision for Nigeria’s future. The NNPP administration has been nothing short of a disappointment,” the official remarked.

Another NNPP member on the verge of defecting, Malam Adamu Yakasai from Kano Municipal, minced no words in his criticism of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

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He said : “The NNPP has lost focus. Instead of uniting the state, they’ve divided us further. Kano is known for politics that touches the common man—tebur siyasah—where the people’s voices are heard. But in NNPP, it’s just ‘I, me, myself.’ APC is the platform where teamwork and progress happen.”

The APC’s recent success in luring members from the NNPP is also tied to an event held in Abuja. The Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibril recently received hundreds of NNPP defectors at the Press Center of the Senate, further boosting the party’s morale. The decampees publicly threw off their Kwankwasiyya red caps and received new caps from the Deputy Senate President in a show of removing the NNPP garb and putting on the new era of APC. This, coupled with Ata’s appointment, is seen as a demonstration of the APC’s commitment to rewarding loyalty and competence.

As the political atmosphere in Kano heats up, local analysts believe the defections could place the NNPP on a “serious political back foot,” as one commentator put it. The loss of over 50,000 members is expected to weaken the party’s grassroots strength and raise questions about its ability to remain competitive in subsequent elections.
For many of the decampees, returning to the APC represents a second chance to align with a party they believe has the structures, policies, and leadership to take Kano and Nigeria forward. As the political climate continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the coming months will test the resilience of both the APC and the NNPP in Kano, a city that remains the heartbeat of northern politics.

The upcoming rally which is expected to take place at the Kano Pillars Stadium in Sabon Gari area of Kano at a date to be determined is anticipated to be a grand affair, with party leaders and supporters eager to showcase the strength of the APC as it welcomes back thousands of former adversaries. For now, the stage is set, and all eyes are on Kano as the city braces for what could be one of the most defining moments in its recent political history.

50,000 NNPP members may decamp to APC in Kano