The All Progressives Congress (APC) received a significant boost on Thursday as National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed a high-profile defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), led by Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila. The political move signals a dramatic shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key Details of the Defection:
- Senator Sumaila, a vocal NNPP stalwart, announced his exit Wednesday via Facebook, citing his commitment to his constituents’ welfare
- He led dozens of NNPP members, including local government chairmen and state assembly members, to the APC headquarters in Abuja
- Ganduje confidently declared the 2027 elections “a done deal” for the APC during the reception ceremony
Political Implications:
The defection deals a severe blow to the NNPP, which had been gaining ground in northern states:
- Weakens NNPP’s presence in Kano, its strongest base
- Strengthens APC’s dominance in the Northwest region
- Raises questions about opposition unity ahead of 2027
Statements from Key Players:
“All politics is local. My primary concern has always been my constituents’ welfare. I’m determined to ensure their needs are met.”
— Senator Kawu Sumaila (now APC)
“I won’t reveal our secret, but APC 2027 is a done deal. This is just the beginning.”
— Abdullahi Ganduje, APC National Chairman
Visual Evidence:
Photos from the event show Ganduje presenting APC membership cards to the defectors amid cheers from party faithful. The images capture the celebratory mood at the APC headquarters, with banners welcoming the new members.
What This Means for 2027:
Political analysts suggest this defection could trigger a domino effect:
- More NNPP members may follow Sumaila to APC
- APC consolidates hold on Kano, Nigeria’s second most populous state
- Opposition parties face tougher challenges in forming alliances
The ruling party appears to be capitalizing on its incumbency advantage, while opposition groups struggle to maintain cohesion. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift, all eyes remain on how these developments will shape the next general elections.
The NNPP has yet to issue an official statement regarding Sumaila’s departure.
