In a political development that could reshape Kano’s power dynamics, senior members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have entered advanced discussions with All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, over a potential return to the ruling party.
Insiders revealed to The PUNCH that the discreet meeting took place in Abuja, featuring high-ranking NNPP figures.
The high ranking politicians include Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure), Ali Madaki (Dala), and former federal lawmaker Badamasi Ayuba (Danbatta/Makoda).
The talks are part of broader consultations as the group prepares to switch allegiance to the APC, citing grievances over internal party issues.
Key among their complaints are allegations of marginalization, favouritism, and lack of transparency under the leadership of NNPP figurehead Dr Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
Despite the swirling defection rumours, Sumaila’s media aide, Abbas Adam Abbas, told Nasara Radio Nigeria that while meetings occurred, the senator had not committed to abandoning the NNPP.
He acknowledged the APC’s efforts to court Sumaila but denied a formal defection had taken place.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, analysts believe this development could be a significant win for the APC and a blow to the NNPP, which enjoyed electoral momentum in Kano during the 2023 polls.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recently expressed confidence that Kano would swing back to the APC
He cited key party figures like Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senator Basheer Lado as pivotal to the party’s comeback.
Meanwhile, NNPP Kano Chairman Hashim Dungurawa dismissed the defectors, branding them as inconsequential actors who had already been suspended for anti-party activities.
He accused them of operating as political saboteurs working on Ganduje’s orders.
“They were never important to our cause. They were disciplined before this, and we’ve moved on,” Dungurawa stated. “We don’t need traitors in our movement.”