APC Leadership Expresses Severe Concern Over Potential Kano Power Shift Following Rabiu Kwankwaso's Strategic Defection to ADC

APC chieftain Alwan Hassan warns of political trouble in Kano as former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso defects to the ADC ahead of 2027.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:32 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Naija News

Escalating Political Volatility in Northern Nigeria’s Largest Electoral Hub

The internal stability of the All Progressives Congress is facing a rigorous test following the high profile departure of Rabiu Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress. During a televised interview on Arise Television, party chieftain Alwan Hassan characterized the defection as a severe blow to the ruling party's regional influence. Hassan argued that because Kano represents such a massive voting bloc, losing a figure of Kwankwaso’s stature could jeopardize the APC's national standing in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The shift suggests that the political landscape in Northern Nigeria is becoming increasingly fragmented, moving away from traditional party structures toward personality-driven movements.

Strategic Realignment and the Erosion of the New Nigeria Peoples Party

The fallout from Kwankwaso's move has extended beyond his immediate circle, casting doubt on the future of the New Nigeria Peoples Party. Mohammed Jamo, another prominent APC figure, suggested that the exit of the former governor serves as a final confirmation that his former platform is no longer a sustainable vehicle for governance. According to Jamo, this development vindicates the earlier decisions of several Kano state officials who abandoned the movement months ago. The current narrative suggests that the ideological core of the party has been hollowed out, leaving remaining members to seek new alliances with either the federal government or rising opposition blocs.

Navigating the Complex Landscape of the Kwankwasiyya Movement

The defection has caused a visible rift within the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political group historically defined by its unwavering loyalty to the former governor. While some members remain steadfast, others view the transition to the ADC as a necessary pivot to maintain relevance in a shifting democratic environment. Hassan noted that Kwankwaso remains a master of the local political game, and his ability to migrate his base to a new platform presents a direct threat to the APC’s grassroots operations. This movement of high level influencers indicates that voter loyalty in the region may be tied more closely to individual leadership than to specific party manifestos.