Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Acknowledges Defection of Eight NNPP National Assembly Members to APC

Governor Abba Yusuf reacts as eight NNPP lawmakers join the APC, citing internal party crises while emphasizing continued commitment to Kano State development.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Political Realignment Hits Kano Legislative Delegation

Governor Abba Yusuf has formally addressed the exit of eight prominent lawmakers from the New Nigeria People’s Party as they transitioned to the All Progressives Congress. The defection, which took place at the National Assembly in Abuja, was announced through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa. According to the official report, the move involves a significant portion of the Kano legislative bloc, including Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe, Garba Ibrahim Diso, and Hassan Shehu Hussain. This shift represents a notable change in the composition of the state’s representation at the federal level, signaling a tightening of the political landscape in the lead up to future electoral cycles.

Internal Crises Cited as Catalyst for Departure

The defecting lawmakers explicitly linked their decision to ongoing internal instability within the New Nigeria People’s Party. Members such as Idris Dankawu, Muhammad Chiroma Nalaraba, and Rabiu Yusuf reportedly identified a lack of cohesion as a primary factor in their relocation to the ruling party. Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani and Muhammad Bello Shehu joined their colleagues in seeking a more stable political platform under the APC banner. This collective exit suggests that the internal friction within the NNPP has reached a tipping point, prompting high ranking elected officials to seek alternative affiliations to ensure their political continuity and influence.

High Level Reception by Ruling Party Leadership

The defection ceremony was characterized by the presence of top tier APC leadership, underscoring the strategic importance of these new acquisitions. Former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin were among the key figures who welcomed the lawmakers into the fold. According to the governor’s office, the event served as a formal integration of the new members into the APC’s federal structure. The involvement of such high ranking officials indicates that the APC is actively looking to consolidate its strength in the North West region, particularly within the influential Kano political corridor.