Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Attends National Assembly Plenary as Eight NNPP Lawmakers Defect to APC

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf witnesses 8 Kano lawmakers defect from NNPP to APC. Legislators cite internal party crisis as reason for joining the majority party.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:23 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

A Major Realignment in the House of Representatives

The political landscape of Kano State underwent a significant transformation this week as eight high ranking legislators formally announced their exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the lawmakers submitted official correspondence detailing their transition to the All Progressives Congress. This collective move represents a substantial loss for the NNPP’s federal representation and a corresponding surge for the APC’s majority within the lower chamber. The formal reading of the defection letters on the floor of the House established a new legislative reality for the constituencies involved, signaling a shift in the state's power dynamics at the national level.

Internal Turmoil Within the New Nigeria Peoples Party

The primary justification cited by the defecting members was a deepening sense of instability and internal friction within the NNPP leadership structure. According to the letters read by Speaker Abbas, the lawmakers reached a consensus that the persistent crises at the party’s core had made it impossible to continue their legislative duties under its banner effectively. This public acknowledgement of party discord suggests a growing rift between the party’s grassroots representatives and its central executive committee. By citing these internal challenges, the legislators aimed to provide a legal and political basis for their departure, framing the move as a necessity for maintaining stable representation for their constituents.

High Profile Presence at the National Assembly

The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of several heavyweight political figures in the legislative gallery, most notably Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Governor’s attendance at the plenary to witness his state’s representatives switch sides drew considerable attention from observers of Nigerian politics. He was joined by other prominent APC stakeholders, including the former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin. The gathering of these influential leaders at the National Assembly created a backdrop of high stakes political theatre, emphasizing the importance of Kano State as a critical battleground for federal influence.