The New Nigeria People's Party in Kano State is confronting its most severe internal crisis following the defection of five prominent federal lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress, a development that party insiders describe as catastrophic for their political future.
Mass Exodus Hits NNPP's Core Structure
The defections, which culminated in November 2025, have stripped the party of significant grassroots influence and legislative power. Those who have crossed to the APC include Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa (Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency), Engr. Sagir Ibrahim Koki (Kano Municipal), Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Senator representing Kano South), along with two other House of Representatives members: Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Ado Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure).
While the lawmakers provided varied reasons for their departure—ranging from internal leadership crises to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term agenda—the collective impact has struck at the very foundation of NNPP's presence in Kano, traditionally considered its stronghold.
Party Chieftains Sound Alarm Over Structural Collapse
NNPP stalwarts who spoke anonymously expressed profound concern about the defections' implications. One party executive described the situation in stark terms: "It is no longer a defection; it is a serious threat."
"When you lose figures like Kawu Sumaila, a sitting Senator; Jibrin Kofa, a strong grassroots mobilizer; and seasoned legislators like Rurum and Madakin Gini, you are not only losing individuals, but if you look at it carefully, you are losing entire political structures," the stalwart lamented.
Another party chieftain pointed to Engr. Sagir Koki's resignation letter, which specifically cited the party's internal wrangling, as validation of long-standing concerns about factionalization between the camps of party leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and the state governor.
Hon. Musa Adamu, a strong NNPP member in Kano, identified the defection of Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini and Alhassan Rurum from the Kwankwasiyya movement in November 2024 as an early warning signal that went unheeded. "Rurum and Madakin Gini were the canary in the coal mine. Their exit from Kwankwasiyya last year showed that the grip was loosening. Now, with the others following, it confirms that there is a major crack in the foundation," Adamu stated.
Analyst Questions Defectors' Electoral Prospects
Political analyst Mr. Haruna Ismail, a lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies at Northwest University, Kano, offered a contrasting perspective on the defectors' future prospects.
"It is visible that a wave of defection hit the Kano State ruling party, NNPP. No one can deny the fact that defectors always carry their loyalists when switching to another party, no matter their size," Ismail acknowledged.
However, he cautioned that "these defectors don't stand a chance to win elections, if not because of the platform to run given by the NNPP." The analyst specifically questioned the individual electoral strength of some defectors, noting that "the likes of Sagir Koki only come to be known when they are given the ticket to run, and can be easily swept from the political map."
Ismail emphasized that public perception would pose a significant challenge for the defectors, as many voters view their move as a betrayal of the party and leader that secured their electoral victories.
In related developments, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has reaffirmed his loyalty to Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing him as "our leader" and dismissing rumors of a rift between them. Yusuf praised Kwankwaso as a "gifted, visionary politician" whose presence remains "a blessing" for Kano state.
