Dawaki defects to NDC as former APC Chief of Staff joins Kwankwasiyya movement ahead of the 2027 elections in Kano

Former member of the House of Representatives and former Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, on Monday defected from the ruling APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a political meeting with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.

Also read: Kwankwaso defects to ADC in major political shift

The meeting took place at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence, where Dawaki was formally received into the Kwankwasiyya movement alongside several of his political supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection marks a significant political shift in Kano, coming barely one week after Dawaki reportedly failed to secure the APC consensus ticket for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat.

Dawaki, popularly known as Mai Gidan Ruwa, was welcomed with the symbolic red cap strongly associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a moment party loyalists described as powerful and symbolic.

Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, media aide to Kwankwaso, Saifullahi Hassan, said the former APC stalwart had formally joined the NDC political family.

“Leader has today accepted the former Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, popularly known as Mai Gidan Ruwa, into the NDC Kwankwasiyya movement,” Hassan stated in a Facebook post.

Political observers described the development as another major shake-up in Kano politics as parties intensify alliances, consultations and internal arrangements ahead of the 2027 polls.

The move is also expected to strengthen opposition calculations in Kano, where political camps have continued to realign ahead of party primaries and elective contests.

Sources familiar with the meeting said Dawaki pledged loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and expressed readiness to work closely with the party leadership to expand its political base.

A source close to the gathering said the former lawmaker explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with his associates and supporters across the constituency.

Kwankwaso was also said to have urged party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the opposition platform before the general elections.

The former governor reportedly emphasised inclusiveness and internal cohesion as critical factors for the party’s future success.

Dawaki previously represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives before serving as Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman.