In a significant political shift in Kano State, former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Abbas Sani Abbas, has defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection adds to the growing list of prominent NNPP members abandoning the party amid internal strife.
Abbas announced his decision during a visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday night. The announcement marks another milestone in the ongoing wave of defections that has been dubbed the “Barau Tsunami”, which has seen thousands of NNPP members discard their iconic red caps—symbolizing the Kwankwasiyya movement—and embrace the APC.
The Defection Wave in Kano
In recent months, Kano State has witnessed a mass exodus from the NNPP. Hundreds of party leaders and thousands of their supporters from all 44 local government areas have defected to the APC. Many have cited dissatisfaction with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the alleged overbearing influence of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP leader.
Following calls from some NNPP leaders for Governor Yusuf to take firmer control of the state government, the governor sacked several top officials last month, including Abdullahi Bichi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and five commissioners—one of whom was Abbas.
Abbas, known for his grassroots mobilization skills, said his defection was motivated by his desire to contribute to good governance and stability in Kano. Speaking at Senator Barau’s residence, Abbas pledged his loyalty to the APC and promised to work tirelessly for the party’s success across Kano State and beyond.
“I believe in the vision and mission of the APC, and I am committed to ensuring that we deliver on the promises made to the people of Kano. My decision to join the APC is driven by the need to promote inclusivity, development, and better leadership,” Abbas stated.
APC Leaders Welcome Abbas
Abbas was warmly received by Senator Barau Jibrin, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, alongside Prince Abdullahi Abbas, the APC Chairman in Kano State, and other key party leaders.
Welcoming Abbas into the party, Barau praised his dedication to public service and grassroots mobilization. He assured Abbas and his supporters that the APC remains committed to fostering unity, good governance, and improved service delivery for the people of Kano and Nigeria at large.
“APC is a party with a big tent. We are ready to accommodate anyone who is passionate about the progress of our nation. We will continue to promote inclusivity, uphold the values of good governance, and serve humanity in the best way possible,” Barau said.
The APC chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, also expressed confidence in Abbas’ ability to strengthen the party’s support base in Kano. He noted that the influx of former NNPP members into the APC would help solidify the party’s dominance in the state.
Political Implications in Kano
The defections from the NNPP to the APC are widely seen as a blow to the Kwankwasiyya movement, led by Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. The movement, once a formidable political force in Kano, now faces significant challenges amid internal divisions and waning public support.
Analysts believe that the ongoing defections could have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. With the APC consolidating its hold on Kano, Governor Yusuf and his administration may face increased pressure to deliver on campaign promises and stabilize the NNPP.
For now, Abbas’ defection signals a continued shift in Kano’s political dynamics, as more NNPP members are expected to join the APC in the coming weeks.
