The wave of defections plaguing the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State continues to intensify, with Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas, former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Hon. Abbas announced his decision to leave the NNPP during a visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, on Friday night.
In a statement released Saturday morning, Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, noted that the NNPP has seen mass defections over the past six months. Hundreds of party leaders and thousands of their supporters from Kano State’s 44 local government areas have switched allegiance, discarding the iconic red caps of the Kwankwasiyya movement to embrace the APC in what has been dubbed the “Barau Tsunami.”
The statement also referenced recent calls by NNPP leaders urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to assert greater control over governance in the state. These internal challenges led to the dismissal of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Bichi, and six commissioners, including Hon. Abbas, last month.
During his visit to Senator Barau, Hon. Abbas pledged to contribute to the APC’s success in Kano State and beyond. He was warmly received by Senator Barau, APC Kano State Chairman Prince Abdullahi Abbas (Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki), and other party leaders.
Senator Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, welcomed Hon. Abbas and emphasized the APC’s commitment to fostering good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity. He assured the former commissioner that the party remains open to all patriotic Nigerians dedicated to building a better future for Kano State and the nation at large.
