Kano on Lockdown for APC as Kwankwaso Allies Defect to Ruling Party
Reported By Facthabournews
Kano State witnessed a major political mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as prominent political figures linked to the camp of former governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso moved into the ruling party.
The development, which attracted a large crowd in the Kano metropolis, has intensified political activities in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Nation reported that Kano was effectively “on lockdown” for the APC as supporters gathered across the metropolis for a major political event. The development was accompanied by the defection of several politicians regarded as associates or loyalists of Kwankwaso.
Among those reported to have moved to the APC are former federal lawmakers and politicians including Senator Bashir Hanga, Alhaji Gaya, Abdulmumin Jibrin Doguwa and Mustapha Dambatta.
Their movement to the ruling party is significant because of their previous political association with the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has maintained a strong political presence in Kano.
The development comes at a time when political parties are already intensifying their preparations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kano remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, with its large voting population making it a major battleground in presidential and other elections.
The latest movement of politicians into the APC could therefore have implications for the balance of political forces in the state as the 2027 election approaches.
The APC has been strengthening its structure in Kano in recent months, with party leaders and political figures organising mobilisation activities across the state. The latest gathering further demonstrated the party’s attempt to consolidate its grassroots presence.
Reports indicate that the large crowd that attended the event included APC supporters and political stakeholders from different parts of Kano.
The development also comes against the background of increasing political realignment across Nigeria, with politicians changing parties and political alliances ahead of the next general elections.
For the APC, attracting prominent politicians with established grassroots networks could strengthen its organisational structure in Kano and potentially increase its competitiveness in future elections.
The defections are also likely to attract attention within the NNPP, which currently controls the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Kwankwaso remains an influential political figure in Kano, where his political movement has maintained considerable grassroots support over the years. The movement of some of his former associates into the APC could therefore become an important issue in the state’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
The political realignment is taking place as parties begin positioning their candidates, campaign structures and grassroots organisations for the next electoral cycle.
Beyond Kano, similar movements have been reported in other parts of the country as politicians assess their prospects and alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest development is therefore being closely watched by political observers because of Kano’s importance to national electoral calculations.
For now, the APC appears to be using the latest defections and mobilisation to demonstrate growing strength in the state, while opposition parties are expected to respond with their own strategies for retaining and expanding their support bases.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Kano is expected to remain one of the major centres of political activity in northern Nigeria, with the APC, NNPP and other political forces competing for the support of millions of voters.
