In a powerful political statement, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has declared that the recent mass defections from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a clear sign of what’s to come in Kano state in 2027.
The defections, which have seen prominent members of the NNPP switch allegiances, come at a time of political reshuffling in the state. Barau’s remarks highlight the growing strength of the APC in Kano, signaling a possible reshaping of the political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
Speaking over the weekend, Barau welcomed former NNPP members into the APC, including figures closely associated with the party’s leadership, such as former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“We are witnessing something significant,” Barau said. “This is not just a few people leaving; it’s a massive shift. This is a sign of things to come in 2027.”
The new APC members, led by Yahaya Sa’idu Kwankwaso, a former councillor from Kwankwaso’s ward in Madobi Local Government, were welcomed by Barau as part of a broader trend. Other defectors include Hon. Abdulhamid Ahmad Diso, former deputy speaker of Gwale Local Government, and Hon. Shu’aibu Isa Kubaraci, both of whom played prominent roles within NNPP before making the switch.
Also joining the APC was Hon. Garba Alhassan Dawaki, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Dawaki, along with former councillors and PDP supporters from Dawakin Kudu Local Government, cited Barau’s impressive developmental strides in Kano as the driving force behind their decision to cross over.
“We have seen the tremendous work Senator Barau has done in Kano,” said Dawaki, speaking to the crowd gathered for the defection ceremony. “His leadership has brought real change to the state, and we believe the APC is the best party to continue this progress.”
Barau’s political influence in Kano has been on the rise, with his efforts to bolster the state’s development through various infrastructure and governance initiatives earning him respect across party lines. Since August, he has been receiving numerous NNPP stalwarts into the APC from all 44 local governments in Kano, further strengthening the party’s foothold in the region.
In a statement shared by his media team, Barau reassured the new APC members that they would be treated with fairness and equality, highlighting the inclusive nature of the party. “Nobody will be discriminated against,” Barau said. “APC is a party for all, where everyone is given equal opportunity.”
The influx of new members is expected to have a significant impact as Kano prepares for the 2027 elections. Barau’s confidence in the APC’s future in the state is evident, and his recent remarks make it clear that he believes the defections are just the beginning of a wider trend that will see the APC dominate in the coming years.
“As it is now, NNPP is practically unknown in Kano North,” Barau stated. “In Kano South, the APC will soon sweep away the remnants of NNPP. The party is only known in a few streets in Kano Central.”
Barau’s comments reflect the growing frustration within the NNPP ranks and the increasing influence of the APC, which has seen a surge of support in recent months. He pointed to the success of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said would serve as a model for future development in Kano and the country as a whole.
“We will work with you to fast-track Kano State’s and the country’s development in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to return the country to progress and prosperity,” Barau said, further solidifying his commitment to the APC’s vision.
