Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has voiced strong concerns over the defection of the Kano State Government to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was disappointing and could have negative political consequences for the region. His comments come amid ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s political landscape as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a media interaction in Kano on Monday, February 23, 2026, Kwankwaso described the decision by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and some members of the state executive and legislature to leave the NNPP for the ruling APC as a “setback” that undermines the political aspirations of the people who originally supported the NNPP. He said that many stakeholders in Kano expected greater loyalty to the party and its core ideals. His remarks reflect frustrations among parts of the NNPP faithful over the defection narrative.
The former governor acknowledged internal debates within the NNPP over how best to retain members and sustain political influence, but insisted that the manner in which the defection was executed — with sudden shifts by key figures — betrayed grassroots structures that worked hard to build support for the party over time. He also hinted that such moves may weaken the NNPP’s visibility and bargaining power in northern Nigeria if not checked by renewed mobilization efforts.
Kwankwaso said the defection trend could deepen disillusionment among voters who had seen the NNPP as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s more established parties. He argued that cohesive political engagement and sustained party loyalty were essential for promoting democratic choice and regional representation, rather than frequent switches based on individual interests. “Kano deserves stability and clear leadership direction,” he said, adding that loyalty to collective goals should outweigh short-term political manoeuvres.
Political analysts have described Kwankwaso’s remarks as part of broader reactions among opposition figures who see recent defections as reflective of strategic realignment ahead of 2027, but also symptomatic of internal tensions over party leadership, ticket decisions and power sharing. In Kwankwaso’s view, loyalty to political ideals and sustained grassroots support should be prioritised over opportunistic shifts that undermine institutional coherence.
Supporters of the APC, however, argue that political movement between parties is a natural feature of Nigeria’s fluid political system, and that individuals and governments must make strategic choices based on prevailing political realities and prospects for effective governance. They contend that the APC’s broad national platform and governing experience offer opportunities for expanded influence and policy implementation.
For Kwankwaso and his followers, the concern remains that repeated defections risk eroding party identity, weakening democratic competition and diluting voter confidence in sustained political commitments. He urged his supporters to remain resilient and continue engaging citizens on issues that strengthen democratic participation, even in the face of shifting alignments.
As political realignments accelerate in the run-up to 2027, Kwankwaso’s comments underscore how party loyalty, regional influence and strategic decisions are shaping debates about leadership, representation and long-term political organisation in Nigeria’s evolving democratic context.
