In a significant political shift, over 1,331 allies of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). This mass departure, which took place in Ganduje’s home town of Dawakin-Tofa, underscores growing dissent within the ruling party.
The defectors, primarily from 11 wards in the Dawakin-Tofa local council, expressed their intention to actively oppose the APC’s return to power in Kano State. Among the prominent figures who switched allegiance are Malam Isyaku Dahiru Kwa, the former Vice Chairman of Dawakin-Tofa council area, and Audu Magaji Tumfafi, an ex-House of Assembly aspirant.
The group also includes Bashir Musa Sani, the APC Youth Leader for Takai Organisation. At a reception welcoming the new members into the NNPP, State NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa commended their decision, stating that their move reflects a collective desire for change in Kano politics.
This mass defection poses a significant challenge for the APC, particularly as it grapples with internal strife and declining support in key regions.
The loss of such a substantial number of members from Ganduje’s camp raises questions about the party’s future prospects in upcoming elections. Conversely, the NNPP is poised to capitalize on this influx of new members as it seeks to strengthen its position in Kano and beyond. The party’s leadership has indicated that they will work diligently to integrate these new allies and leverage their influence in future political endeavors. As political tensions rise in Kano State, both parties are expected to intensify their campaigns and strategies ahead of the next elections, making this development a focal point in Nigerian politics.
