Photo: Alhaji Kwankwaso (R) and Abdullahi (L)
By: Daniel Kanu
A long-time political associate of former Kano State governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, has resigned his membership of the party and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abdullahi, who reportedly spent 29 years within Kwankwaso’s political camp and the Kwankwasiyya movement, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the chairman of the NDC in Kofar Ruwa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.
The development is significant coming from a politician who has maintained a longstanding relationship with Kwankwaso and had previously publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the former governor.
Abdullahi had, at an earlier stage of his political career, reportedly sworn on the Qur’an to remain loyal to Kwankwaso following a disagreement with Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
However, announcing his latest political move, Abdullahi said he had become frustrated with what he described as unfulfilled promises and a lack of appreciation for his long years of political loyalty.
“I have been with Kwankwaso for 29 years but have only benefited from failed promises. I will go to where I will be respected more,” he said.
In his resignation letter, Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the NDC for the opportunity to serve, but declared that his membership of the party had ended with immediate effect.
He subsequently announced his decision to join the APC and pledged to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
The defection comes amid continuing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Kano, where Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement have maintained significant political influence.
The movement has remained a major political force in Kano politics, although the emergence of new alliances and defections across party lines has continued to reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Abdullahi’s departure could therefore attract attention within the Kwankwasiyya camp, particularly because of his reported 29-year association with Kwankwaso.
It was not immediately clear whether his defection would trigger further movement by other members of the NDC or Kwankwasiyya political structure.
The development also comes as political parties and major political actors intensify efforts to consolidate their support bases ahead of the 2027 presidential and national elections.
