Eight members of the House of Representatives from Kano State formally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The defections follow the resignation of the NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) just 24 hours prior to the lawmakers’ move.
Their defection notices were read during a plenary session by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.
The lawmakers cited internal crises and factionalization within the NNPP as the primary reasons for their departure.
Those who defected included high-ranking members and representatives from various federal constituencies in Kano.
According to the defection notices, they are Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency) and Deputy Minority Leader;
Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Tofa/Dawakin Tofa/Rimingado);
Hon. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani (Ajingi/Albasu/Gaya); Hon. Muhammad Bello Shehu (Fagge);
Hon. Idris Dankawu (Kumbotso); Hon. Hussain Hassan Shehu (Nassarawa); Hon. Rabiu Yusuf (Sumaila/Takai); Hon. Muhammad Garba Chiroma (Gezawa/Gabasawa); and Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed (Garba Ibrahim Diso) (Gwale)
The defection was witnessed at the National Assembly by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
The move is part of a broader political shift in Kano, where Governor Abba Yusuf had previously defected from the NNPP to the APC in early 2026.
