The reported defection of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has continued to generate reactions within Nigeria’s political space, particularly among stakeholders in Kano State.
Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Jamo, described the move as a clear indication that the NNPP is no longer a viable political platform for serious governance and electoral success.
Jamo made this known during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, where he addressed the implications of the defection and its broader political significance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the decision by Kwankwaso to leave the NNPP aligns with the position earlier taken by some political actors in Kano, including the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who had distanced themselves from the party months ago.
He recalled that the earlier exit of Governor Yusuf and his allies from the NNPP was met with widespread criticism, particularly from loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political bloc closely associated with Kwankwaso. At the time, critics had argued that abandoning the party would weaken its structure and betray the movement’s ideals.
However, Jamo maintained that recent developments have proven otherwise.
“There are always two sides to every coin. If we look at what has happened today from the perspective of many people in Kano, it is clearly a vindication of the position we took earlier,” he stated.
He explained that those who left the NNPP did so after careful consideration, citing concerns about the party’s internal cohesion, political direction, and its capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Jamo further argued that Kwankwaso’s defection underscores deeper challenges within the NNPP, suggesting that the party may be struggling to maintain unity and relevance in the evolving political landscape.
“Months ago, when some of us made the difficult decision to leave the NNPP, we were criticised heavily. But today, Nigerians can see that we were on the right trajectory,” he added.
The APC chieftain also pointed out that aligning with the Federal Government has provided a more stable platform for governance and political engagement, particularly in Kano State. He expressed confidence that such alignment would translate into improved development outcomes for the people.
Political analysts say Kwankwaso’s move, if formally confirmed, could significantly reshape political alliances, not only in Kano State but across the northern region. As a prominent figure with a strong grassroots following, his political decisions often influence voting patterns and party dynamics.
The development is also expected to impact the strength and positioning of smaller political parties like the NNPP and the ADC, as they strategize for relevance ahead of the next general elections.
Observers note that party defections, coalition-building, and strategic realignments are likely to intensify in the coming months as politicians reposition themselves for 2027. Kwankwaso’s next political steps, they say, will be closely watched, given his influence and past role in national politics.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders believe that such movements highlight the fluid nature of party loyalty in Nigeria, where ideology often takes a backseat to strategic interests and electoral viability.
The unfolding situation underscores the growing momentum of political recalibration across party lines, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive and unpredictable 2027 electoral cycle.
