A significant blow has been dealt to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano North, Nigeria, as over 5,000 members defected to the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on September 24, 2026. The mass defection, led by a prominent grassroots mobilizer, Mustapha Yahaya Shuwaki, may weaken the grip of Deputy President of Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, on the region. Shuwaki and his supporters cited disappointment in Sen. Barau's leadership and the lack of basic amenities in their communities.
The defection comes barely 24 hours after Shuwaki and his supporters were received into the APC by Sen. Barau Jibrin. Shuwaki announced his decision to defect from Sen. Barau's camp, citing broad consultations with supporters, community leaders, and political associates across Kano North. He insisted that the move was driven by the aspirations of the people, who are seeking better representation and governance.
One of the key reasons cited for the defection is Sen. Barau's alleged failure to intervene in the ravaging bandits' incursion threatening their communities. Additionally, Shuwaki and his supporters lamented the lack of basic amenities such as drinkable water, healthcare centers, schools, and good road networks in Bagwai and Shanono local government areas. The situation has left residents in these areas facing significant challenges in accessing essential services.
Shuwaki expressed deep frustration with the current state of affairs, stating that residents in the areas do not have access to basic necessities like water, electricity, and good roads. He also mentioned that the last time they benefited from Sen. Barau Jibrin was when he gave them N30,000 each, after which he allegedly neglected them. This perceived neglect has contributed to the growing discontent among the people.
The leader of the NDC in Kano North, Muhammad Garba, welcomed the defectors and described the move as evidence of a growing political shift across the region. He argued that more grassroots blocs are aligning with the party ahead of the 2027 elections. This development adds to the unfolding contest for dominance in Kano North, where former allies and emerging power centers are repositioning for the next electoral cycle.
A frontline APC stalwart, Ibrahim Sani, acknowledged that the exit of influential grassroots figures like Shuwaki could pose organizational challenges for the party if internal grievances are not addressed promptly. He noted that the symbolism of the defection is significant, as it occurred almost immediately after a celebrated reception, raising questions about internal reconciliation and the durability of political alliances.
The mass defection has significant implications for the political landscape in Kano North and may have far-reaching consequences for the APC and Sen. Barau Jibrin's leadership. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to these developments and whether they can regain the trust of their former supporters.
Key points
- Over 5,000 APC members defect to NDC in Kano North, citing disappointment in Sen Barau Jibrin's leadership.
- Defectors cite lack of basic amenities and Sen. Barau's inaction on bandits' incursion as reasons for their defection.
- The mass defection may weaken Sen. Barau Jibrin's grip on Kano North and have significant implications for the 2027 elections.
