Senator Barau Jibrin welcomes NNPP defectors in Kano as two party leaders switch to the APC, signalling shifting political loyalties in the state

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday welcomed two prominent members of the New Nigeria People’s Party into the All Progressives Congress, strengthening the ruling party’s ranks in Kano State following their formal defection in the capital.

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The defectors are Umar Haruna, Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor in the Office of the Head of Service, and Muhammad Hussaini, Organising Secretary of the NNPP in Bichi Ward, Bichi Local Government Area.

Umar Haruna also resigned from his position in the Kano State Government, citing a commitment to integrity, accountability and democratic values.

In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, and addressed to Governor Abba Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Haruna formally communicated his decision to step down.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, the two Kwankwasiyya leaders officially joined the APC during a courtesy visit to Senator Barau Jibrin in Abuja.

During the meeting, the defectors praised Senator Barau Jibrin’s leadership style and people-centred politics, describing him as an icon and a beacon of hope for Kano State.

Welcoming the new members, Senator Barau Jibrin said the decision reflected what he described as growing public confidence in the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

Senator Barau Jibrin, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said the NNPP’s influence in Kano was waning amid what he called a steady wave of defections.

“You are welcome to the people’s party, the APC. You have joined at a time when our people are trooping in daily to be part of our movement to restore the glorious days of Kano,” Senator Barau Jibrin said.