The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, supervised the defection of several members from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday. This event strategically preceded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s official induction into the APC, a move expected to reshape the political dynamics in Nigeria’s populous northern state.
During the rally, which drew a large crowd of party supporters and new defectors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Yusuf were unanimously endorsed for second terms in office. The endorsements signal unified backing for the incumbents as the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections, reinforcing party cohesion ahead of future contests.
A prominent indigene of the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency used the platform to publicly appeal to Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, to return to active politics and contest the House of Representatives seat for the constituency. This appeal underscores local efforts to secure experienced representation within the APC’s framework as it strengthens its grassroots network.
The well-attended event featured top APC chieftains, including Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, Executive Chairman of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) Ismail Ahmed, and Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters Senator Bashir Lado Mohammed. Their collective presence highlighted the national significance of the defections and the party’s commitment to consolidating support in Kano.
Kano State, a critical electoral battleground with substantial voting power, has historically seen intense competition between major parties. The defections from NNPP and PDP to the APC indicate a notable realignment, particularly as Governor Yusuf, elected in 2023 under the NNPP banner, prepares to formally join the ruling party. This shift could influence the distribution of legislative seats and federal resources, impacting governance and political strategy in the region.
The rally’s timing, just before Governor Yusuf’s official welcome, serves as a prelude to broader APC mobilization efforts in the Northwest. By securing high-profile endorsements and encouraging key figures like Hon. Dawaki to run, the party aims to solidify its base and project strength for the upcoming electoral cycle. Observers note that such developments reflect the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances often rearrange in anticipation of national elections.
This aggregation of support in Kano State demonstrates the APC’s proactive approach to expanding its influence in strategic regions. As the party gears up for the 2027 polls, the defections and endorsements in Dawakin Kudu may set a precedent for further realignments, potentially altering the political landscape not only in Kano but also across Nigeria’s federal structure. The emphasis on candidate recruitment, as seen in the appeal to Hon. Dawaki, points to ongoing preparations for a competitive electoral season.
