Kano former deputy governor Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna has left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), bringing a sizeable group of supporters with him across all 44 local government areas of the state.
The move was confirmed in a statement signed by Gawuna’s aide, Mansur Isa Gawuna, which said the former deputy governor defected to the NDC on Monday. In a resignation letter addressed to the ADC, Gawuna cited ongoing internal litigation and factional disputes that he said had destabilised the party and compromised his ability to remain a member in good faith.
“I, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, hereby formally tender my resignation as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), effective immediately,” the letter read. “My decision is necessitated by the persistent litigation crises affecting the internal affairs of the party, which have undermined my ability to continue as a member in good faith. I thank the party for the opportunities afforded to me.”
Gawuna’s departure from the ADC follows his earlier political realignment earlier this year. After abandoning the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on 30 March, he joined the ADC a few days later, seeking a platform for his political ambitions. His latest shift to the NDC marks his third party affiliation within a short period and underscores the fluid nature of party allegiance in northern Nigerian politics.
The NDC, a relatively new entrant on the national scene, is likely to benefit from Gawuna’s regional influence, particularly in Kano’s densely populated local government areas. Party officials have not yet disclosed whether Gawuna will assume a formal role within the NDC hierarchy, but the influx of his supporters could strengthen the party’s grassroots network ahead of forthcoming elections.
Political analysts note that internal disputes and legal battles have plagued several Nigerian parties in recent years, leading to defections and realignments as politicians seek more stable platforms. Gawuna’s exit adds to a series of recent departures from the ADC, raising questions about the party’s cohesion and its prospects in upcoming electoral contests.
The development will be monitored closely as the NDC prepares for the 2027 general elections, while the ADC faces the task of rebuilding its internal structures and retaining remaining members.
