Major Political Shift in Kano as Gov’s Aide, NNPP Official Join APC

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State following the defection of two key figures from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

According to The Punch, the defectors are Umar Haruna, Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor in the Office of the Head of Service, and Muhammad Hussaini, the Organising Secretary of the NNPP in Bichi Ward, Bichi Local Government Area.
Haruna, who was appointed into the Kano State Government in September 2023, reportedly resigned his position before joining the APC. In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, and addressed to Governor Abba Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government, he stated that his decision was guided by his commitment to integrity, accountability, and democratic principles.

As reported by The Punch, the two NNPP leaders officially joined the APC during a courtesy visit to Senator Barau in Abuja. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate.

The defectors were quoted as commending Senator Barau’s leadership style and people-oriented politics, describing him as a symbol of hope for Kano State.

In his remarks, Senator Barau welcomed the new members, noting that their decision reflected what he described as increasing public confidence in the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu. He also observed that the NNPP’s political influence in Kano State was declining amid growing defections.
“You are welcome to the people’s party, the APC. You have joined at a time when our people are coming in daily to be part of the movement to restore the glory of Kano,” Barau said.

He further expressed optimism about the state’s future, stating that Kano would witness positive change for the benefit of all its residents.