Barau Receives Thousands of Kwankwasiyya, NNPP Members into APC
In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, has officially received thousands of members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection, which occurred at a high-profile gathering at Senator Barau’s residence in Abuja and later at the National Assembly complex, signals a significant blow to the NNPP’s influence in Kano State—long considered its stronghold.
Prominent among the defectors is Alhaji Bala Uba Kulkul, a leading figure in the Askarawan Kwankwasiyya movement from Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, alongside 15 other zonal commanders. Others include:
• Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim Gogori, former Chairman of Bagwai LGA
• Malam Yahaya Abdulkadir Aliyu, Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum
The group pledged full loyalty to the APC and vowed to mobilize support for the party across all 44 LGAs of Kano State.
“We have joined the APC because of Senator Barau’s inclusive leadership and the party’s serious commitment to national progress,” said Alhaji Bala Uba Kulkul.
The event was marked by symbolic gestures, including many defectors removing and discarding their red caps—the iconic symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement founded by former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. This public act signified a complete departure from their former political ideology.
Senator Barau, while welcoming the new entrants, described the development as a turning point in Kano politics. He assured the defectors of equal treatment within the APC and reaffirmed the party’s open-door policy.
“Very soon, there will be no red caps in Kano. What we are witnessing today is a clear sign that people are embracing real leadership,” Barau said.
He emphasized that the influx of grassroots leaders from the NNPP demonstrated growing public trust in the APC and disillusionment with the Kwankwasiyya ideology.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also present to receive the defectors. He described the event as a testament to the APC’s rising popularity and credited Barau for his unifying leadership style.
“This shows that our message of progress, unity, and national development is resonating with Nigerians,” Ganduje stated.
The mass defection significantly shifts the political dynamics in Kano State, where the Kwankwasiyya Movement has held substantial sway in recent years. Analysts suggest the move could reshape power structures in Northern Nigeria and bolster the APC’s chances in the next electoral cycle.
Political observers also note that the loss of key grassroots mobilizers could weaken the NNPP’s organizational strength and funding base ahead of the 2027 elections.
