Ganduje Welcomes Kawu Sumaila, Key NNPP Leaders To APC In Major Political Shift

In a significant political development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has formally received Senator Kawu Sumaila and other influential members from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) into the APC.

The defection was officially announced through a statement issued by Aminu Dahiru, Senior Special Assistant on Visual Communication and Events to the APC National Chairman.

Prominent figures who crossed over with Senator Sumaila include:

Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the representative of Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency,
Dr. Baffa Bichi, former Secretary to the Kano State Government,
Hon. Badamasi Ayuba, ex-member representing Danbatta/Makoda Federal Constituency.

Other high-profile defectors joining the APC are:

Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo
Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu
Hon. Muhammad Diggol
Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada
Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas

According to the official communication, the exodus from the NNPP was majorly driven by claims of injustice and exclusion, particularly blaming the NNPP national leader, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, for perceived internal mismanagement and favoritism.

In their public remarks, the defectors unanimously expressed trust in Ganduje’s inclusive leadership and committed themselves to enhancing the APC’s political influence in Kano State and beyond.

This mass defection is seen by many political analysts as a strategic gain for the APC ahead of upcoming elections, especially in the Northern regions where political loyalty often shifts based on trust in leadership and equitable party structure.

For broader political context on Nigerian party dynamics, read BBC’s coverage of political realignments in Nigeria.