KANO, NIGERIA — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, has received a significant number of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the NNPP in Kano State.
Announcing the development via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the NNPP leader and founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement said the reception was held at his residence in Kano.
“Yesterday marked a significant political event as I welcomed thousands of new members who defected from the APC to the NNPP,” Kwankwaso wrote. “During the gathering, I assured them of fair treatment and full integration into the party.”
He attributed the continued wave of defections to what he described as NNPP’s “distinctive leadership style” and rising influence across Kano, noting that the party’s performance and grassroots appeal are encouraging others to switch allegiance.
“The unique leadership we offer in Kano keeps drawing people to our party,” he said, urging others considering defection to make the move “without hesitation.”
In a recent instance, no fewer than 1,230 former APC supporters from Albasu and Sumaila local government areas—both in Kano South Senatorial District—joined the NNPP. These individuals were formerly affiliated with the Waraka political camp, led by Senator Kawu Sumaila.
While addressing the crowd, Kwankwaso reaffirmed his dedication to issue-based politics, which he said sets the NNPP apart from other political platforms.
“I am always pleased to welcome individuals who align with our ideology—not for monetary gain, but out of genuine belief in our shared vision for a better Nigeria. This is politics grounded in principle, not transactional loyalty,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Jamilu Zamba and Maryam Romo expressed their renewed commitment to the NNPP. They cited Senator Kwankwaso’s integrity, leadership consistency, and focus on grassroots development as the key reasons for their return to the party.
Their declarations, observers say, underscore the NNPP’s growing strength in Kano and hint at the party’s strategic positioning ahead of future political contests.