Major Political Realignment in Kano as 22 State Lawmakers Switch Parties
In a significant political development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's political landscape, 22 members of the Kano State House of Assembly have officially defected from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This mass defection occurred during a plenary session on Monday, January 26, 2026, marking one of the largest political shifts in recent Nigerian history.
Governor's Resignation Precedes Legislative Exodus
The lawmakers' defection follows closely on the heels of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's resignation from the NNPP, which came after his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. This coordinated political movement represents a substantial realignment of political forces in Nigeria's most populous state, with implications that extend far beyond Kano's borders.
According to verified reports from multiple sources, the governor's defection was accompanied by not only the 22 state lawmakers but also eight members of the House of Representatives and all 44 local government chairmen in Kano State. This comprehensive political migration suggests a well-orchestrated strategy ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
Complete List of Defecting Lawmakers
The full roster of legislators who crossed from NNPP to APC includes prominent figures from across Kano State's political spectrum:
- Jibril Falgore (Rogo) - Speaker of the House
- Muhammad Bello Butu Butu (Tofa/Rimin Gado) - Deputy Speaker
- Lawan Hussain (Dala) - Majority Leader
- Garba Shehu Fammar (Kibiya) - Deputy Majority Leader
- Muddasir Ibrahim Zawachiki (Kumbotso) - Chief Whip
- Rabiu Shuaibu (Dawakin Kudu)
- Tukur Mohammed (Fagge)
- Zakariyya Abdullahi Nuhu (Gabasawa)
- Lawal Tini (Ajingi)
- Musa Tahir Haruna (Albasu)
- Ali Lawan Alhassan (Bagwai/Shanono)
- Ali Muhammad Tiga (Bebeji)
- Hafiz Gambo (Bunkure)
- Murtala Muhammad Kadage (Garko)
- Abdulmajid Isah Umar (Gwale)
- Ahmad Ibrahim (Karaye)
- Alhassan Zakari (Kura/Garun Malam)
- Suleiman Mukhtar Ishaq (Madobi)
- Abdulhamid Abdul (Minjibir)
- Muhammad Ibrahim (Rano)
- Kabiru Sule Dahiru (Tarauni)
- Ali Abdullahi Manager (Wudil)
Documented Proceedings and Historical Context
The formal defection proceedings were captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Imran Muhammad, senior special assistant on new media to APC national chairman Nentawe Yilwatda. The footage shows Speaker Falgore calling each member to publicly announce their defection in the assembly chamber, creating a visual record of this historic political transition.
This development echoes similar political shifts in Kano's recent history. In 2013, NNPP national leader Rabiu Kwankwaso defected to the APC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing along the governorship mandate. The current situation represents another chapter in Kano's dynamic political narrative, where the state's massive voting strength makes it a crucial battleground in Nigerian elections.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics
Kano State remains one of Nigeria's most politically significant regions due to its substantial population and voting power. Political analysts suggest that this mass defection could significantly alter the balance of power in northern Nigeria and influence national political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
The timing of these defections, coming just over a year before the next election cycle, indicates strategic positioning by both the defecting politicians and the receiving party. This move follows other recent political developments in Kano, including the resignation of Yusuf Kofarmata, commissioner of science, technology and innovation, who cited concerns about the state government's direction.
As Nigeria's political landscape continues to evolve, the events in Kano serve as a reminder of the fluid nature of party affiliations in Nigerian politics and the strategic importance of key states in determining national political outcomes.
