In a bold declaration that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has announced that more key figures from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are set to defect to the ruling party. This revelation comes amid growing speculation about internal discontent within the NNPP and a potential wave of defections to the APC.
Ganduje’s Confidence in APC’s Appeal
Speaking at an empowerment program in Kano on Sunday, Ganduje expressed unwavering confidence in the APC’s ability to attract opposition members. He praised party loyalists for their resilience and efforts in creating a welcoming environment for defectors.
“We thank you very much for resisting the campaign from different political parties, especially that dying party called NNPP,” Ganduje said. “We thank you for creating a conducive environment and behaving so well. We thank you for inviting them into our party. They are coming into our party in silence, and very soon, we will receive senior officers, legislators, senators, former this, former that, from that dying party, NNPP. They will all come to our party, the great APC.”
The NNPP Exodus: A Growing Trend?
Ganduje’s comments come on the heels of recent events that have fueled speculation about a mass defection from the NNPP. Notably, the presence of Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin at the private ceremonies of NNPP Senator Kawu Sumaila in Kano has raised eyebrows.
Senator Sumaila, who represents Kano South, had defected from the APC to the NNPP ahead of the 2023 elections following a leadership crisis within the ruling party. His recent interactions with APC leaders have sparked rumors of a possible return to his former party.
Why the NNPP is Losing Ground
The NNPP, currently Nigeria’s fourth-largest political party, has been grappling with internal divisions and discontent. Key issues include:
Leadership Rifts: Disagreements between NNPP leaders and members, particularly in Kano, have created a fractured party structure.
Policy Discontent: Some members are reportedly unhappy with the party’s direction and governance approach.
APC’s Growing Influence: The ruling party’s policies and outreach efforts appear to be winning over opposition members.
What This Means for Nigerian Politics
If Ganduje’s predictions come true, the APC stands to gain significant momentum ahead of future elections. The defection of high-profile NNPP members could weaken the opposition party, particularly in Kano, its stronghold and the only state it governs.
For the NNPP, this potential exodus could spell trouble, especially as it seeks to expand its influence beyond Kano. The party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, finished fourth, securing victory only in Kano State.
A Shifting Political Landscape
As Ganduje’s announcement reverberates across the political sphere, one thing is clear: Nigerian politics is in a state of flux. The coming weeks and months will reveal whether the NNPP can stem the tide of defections or if the APC will solidify its dominance.
Stay tuned as this political drama unfolds!