Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum, has commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for appointing Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, describing the move as strategic and capable of reshaping the party’s political fortunes in the state.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a clear understanding of Kano’s complex political dynamics and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance and party cohesion.

The group noted that Kano remains a critical political battleground in Nigeria, making leadership choices within the state highly consequential for both governance and future electoral outcomes.

According to the forum, Garo’s selection underscores a deliberate effort to stabilise the political structure and foster unity among stakeholders amid ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum highlighted Garo’s extensive public service record, pointing to his previous roles in Kano’s political landscape, including his experience in legislative and executive positions, as well as his reputation as a grassroots mobiliser with deep connections across communities.

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It described him as a loyal party stalwart whose contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano have been significant over the years.

“Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a grassroots politician with vast experience and deep connection with the people. His choice will not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater strength and unity in Kano State,” the statement read.

The group further expressed confidence that the Yusuf-Garo partnership would promote inclusiveness, improve coordination within government, and enhance service delivery across the state.

It added that the appointment could help bridge internal divisions within the APC, encouraging reconciliation among party factions and strengthening the party’s structure at both the state and grassroots levels.

Observers say the endorsement reflects broader efforts by political actors within the APC to reposition the party in Kano following recent electoral shifts and internal challenges.

The forum also urged party members and supporters to rally behind the new deputy governor, stressing that unity, discipline, and collective commitment are essential to achieving the party’s long-term objectives.

With political activities gradually building ahead of the next election cycle, the group maintained that strategic alliances such as the Yusuf-Garo pairing could play a decisive role in shaping Kano’s political direction in the coming years.

Garo’s Appointment as Deputy Sparks Optimism for APC in Kano

Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, Aliyu Wadada Defect to APC

The political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections intensified on the floor of the Senate as the Senate Minority Whip representing Enugu West, Osita Ngwu, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within his former party.

His defection letter was formally read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, confirming his exit from the opposition caucus and entry into the ruling party.

In a similar development, Senator Aliyu Wadada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, also announced his defection from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC. His decision further strengthens the ruling party’s numerical advantage in the upper chamber.

Following Ngwu’s departure, the Senate announced Senator Tony Nwoye as the new Minority Whip, marking an immediate reshuffle within the opposition leadership structure in the chamber.

The defections add to the growing wave of political defections in Nigeria’s Senate as lawmakers continue to reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts say the trend reflects internal crises within opposition parties and the increasing consolidation of power by the APC.

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With the latest defections, the APC has further strengthened its numerical advantage in the Senate, continuing a pattern of steady gains from opposition parties, particularly the PDP and SDP.

Political observers say the development underscores a broader shift in Nigeria’s legislative politics, where lawmakers are increasingly aligning with the ruling party ahead of election cycles.

In a related development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded a ministerial nominee, Muttaqha Darma, to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The President also requested the confirmation of Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a key institution responsible for monetary policy and financial stability.

The requests were read by the Senate President and subsequently referred to the Committee of the Whole for legislative consideration.

The latest defections and executive nominations come amid heightened political activity in the National Assembly as parties reposition for the 2027 general elections. Analysts warn that continued defections could weaken opposition parties further and reshape legislative balance, potentially giving the APC even greater control over lawmaking and political negotiations.

As the election season approaches, more realignments are expected across both chambers of the National Assembly.

Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, Aliyu Wadada Defect to APC

2027: Mass Defections Hit PDP and NNPP as Lawmakers Join APC, ADC

The wave of defections ahead of the 2027 general elections has intensified in the House of Representatives, as six lawmakers elected on the platforms of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Peoples Democratic Party officially dumped their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress.

The latest realignment, announced during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, comes less than 24 hours after a similar political shift in the chamber, underscoring rising instability and shifting loyalties within Nigeria’s lower legislative house.

NNPP Lawmakers Dump Party for ADC

Four lawmakers from Kano State elected on the NNPP platform announced their defection to the ADC, citing internal leadership disputes and prolonged factional crises within the party.

Leading the group, Adamu Wakili, representing Minjibir/Ungogo Federal Constituency, said his decision was driven by “persistent leadership crisis in the NNPP resulting in internal divisions,” adding that he needed a platform that guarantees inclusion and stability.

Other defectors include Umar Zakari, Umar Datti, and Abdulhakeem Ado, all from Kano State. The lawmakers said unresolved disputes at both state and national levels of the NNPP had made their continued membership untenable.

Their move further boosts the ADC’s growing presence in the National Assembly, especially as the party continues to absorb dissatisfied politicians from smaller opposition blocs.

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PDP Loses Lawmakers to APC

In a separate development, two lawmakers elected on the PDP platform also announced their exit.

Ahmadu Kabiru, representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, defected from the PDP to the APC, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party. He said his decision was also influenced by his support for the federal government’s policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, Chinedu Martins, representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte/Mbaise Federal Constituency in Imo State, confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC, stating that his alignment with the ruling party had been in place at the ward level since March 2026.

APC Strengthens Dominance in House of Reps

With the latest defections, the APC has further consolidated its dominance in the House of Representatives, increasing its numerical strength to about 282 seats.

The PDP has now been reduced to about 30 seats, reflecting a sharp decline in its parliamentary influence.

The ADC has emerged as a fast-growing third force with 24 seats, largely benefiting from defections by disaffected opposition lawmakers. Other parties in the chamber include the Labour Party with 10 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with five, Accord Party with four, and both the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) holding two seats each. The NNPP is now left with only one seat.

Political Implications for 2027 Elections

Political analysts say the ongoing defections reflect broader 2027 election realignments in Nigeria, driven by internal crises in opposition parties, leadership disputes, and strategic positioning ahead of the next general elections.

The APC’s continued control of federal power has made it an attractive destination for lawmakers seeking political stability and re-election support, while the ADC is increasingly becoming a refuge for opposition politicians unwilling to join the ruling party but eager to exit troubled platforms.

Observers warn that if the trend continues, opposition parties may struggle to mount a coordinated challenge in 2027, especially if internal disputes remain unresolved.

As the election cycle draws closer, more defections are expected, further reshaping the balance of power in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

2027: Mass Defections Hit PDP and NNPP as Lawmakers Join APC, ADC