Paragraph 1: A Political Earthquake in Kano
The political landscape of Kano State experienced a significant tremor with the mass defection of hundreds of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This exodus, spearheaded by prominent figures like Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Kwami (popularly known as Dollar), a former vice chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area, represents a potential blow to the NNPP’s influence in the state. Gwarzo, significantly, is the hometown of Kano’s Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, a key ally of NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso. The timing of these defections raises concerns about the NNPP’s prospects in the 2027 elections, particularly given the loss of key grassroots mobilizers.
Paragraph 2: The Kwankwasiyya Factor and its Discontents
The defectors, including former student leaders under Comrade Mohammed Nafiu Danlami, pointedly abandoned the red caps symbolizing the Kwankwasiyya movement, citing “anti-masses policies” and Kwankwaso’s “dictatorial leadership style” as primary reasons for their departure. This public rejection of Kwankwaso’s brand of politics suggests a growing discontent within the movement. The defection of Abba Kafi Governor, a prominent youth mobilizer, further underscores this trend. He attributed his move to the APC’s perceived focus on people-centric projects, contrasting it with what he implied was a lack of similar focus within the NNPP.
Paragraph 3: APC’s Open Arms and Strategic Embrace
Senator Barau I Jibrin, a prominent APC leader, welcomed the defectors with open arms, emphasizing the APC’s national and global reach while portraying the NNPP as a declining force. He characterized the NNPP as having limited presence, claiming its influence was concentrated only in a few wards in Kano Central and virtually nonexistent in Kano North. He further asserted that even in Kano South, key NNPP members were already migrating to the APC. Jibrin’s statements are clearly aimed at further destabilizing the NNPP by portraying it as a sinking ship and highlighting the APC as a more viable political platform.
Paragraph 4: Youth Engagement and the Promise of Mentorship
Senator Jibrin specifically addressed the former student leaders, promising mentorship and support, highlighting the APC’s commitment to fostering youth participation in politics. He framed their defection as a liberation from the constraints of the NNPP, casting the APC as a party that provides greater freedom and opportunity for young, educated citizens to engage in meaningful political activity. This targeted appeal to youth suggests a strategic effort by the APC to cultivate the next generation of political leaders and further erode the NNPP’s support base.
Paragraph 5: NNPP’s Response and Counter-Narrative
Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso, political adviser to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, downplayed the significance of the defections, characterizing the departing members as disgruntled former aspirants for local political positions. He countered the narrative of a mass exodus by claiming that the NNPP was simultaneously gaining thousands of new members from the APC, particularly in Tudun Wada and Gwarzo Local Government Areas. He attributed defections to the Kano North Senatorial District to financial inducements offered by the incumbent senator, contrasting this with the NNPP’s principled approach of attracting members based on Governor Yusuf’s developmental initiatives and the Kwankwasiyya ideology.
Paragraph 6: The Battle for Kano’s Political Soul
The competing narratives offered by the APC and NNPP underscore the high stakes political battle unfolding in Kano. While the APC paints a picture of a declining NNPP hemorrhaging support, the NNPP insists that it is experiencing normal political churn. The defections, regardless of their exact scale, represent a significant challenge for the NNPP and raise questions about the party’s long-term viability, particularly if the trend continues. The focus on grassroots mobilization and youth engagement by both parties highlights the importance of these demographics in shaping Kano’s political future. The claim of financially driven defections further adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama in the state.
