Kabiru Abdullahi Dumps NDC for APC, Declares Support for Tinubu After 29 Years With Kwankwaso

Kabiru Abdullahi Dumps NDC for APC, Declares Support for Tinubu After 29 Years With Kwankwaso

Long-time Kwankwaso ally Kabiru Abdullahi has resigned from the NDC and joined the APC, citing years of unfulfilled promises and declaring support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kabiru Abdullahi Leaves NDC, Joins APC

A major political development has emerged from Kano State as Kabiru Abdullahi, a long-time associate of former Kano State governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and declared his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abdullahi's decision is attracting attention because of his long association with the Kwankwasiyya political movement and his involvement with Kwankwaso's political structure over several years.

In a resignation letter reportedly addressed to the chairman of the NDC in Kofar Ruwa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi formally announced his departure from the party.

The grassroots politician reportedly explained that his decision followed his experience within the political movement and what he described as years of promises that did not produce the political recognition or opportunities he expected.

According to Abdullahi, his relationship with Kwankwaso had lasted almost three decades.

«“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.”»

His statement has sparked renewed discussion about political loyalty, defections and the changing alliances ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi Says 29 Years With Kwankwaso Brought Unfulfilled Promises

Abdullahi's resignation is particularly significant because of the length of his association with Kwankwaso.

For nearly three decades, he was reportedly part of the political network surrounding the former Kano governor and the wider Kwankwasiyya movement.

The movement has developed a strong political following in Kano and other parts of northern Nigeria, with Kwankwaso widely regarded as one of the region's most influential political figures.

However, Abdullahi now says his long political association did not provide the recognition and opportunities he had expected.

His decision to leave the NDC therefore appears to be driven largely by dissatisfaction with his political experience and a desire to align himself with a political platform where he believes he will receive greater recognition.

The development also highlights the challenges political movements can face when long-serving grassroots supporters begin to reassess their loyalties.

For political parties preparing for the 2027 elections, such defections can carry symbolic importance, particularly when they involve individuals with longstanding relationships within influential political structures.

Long-Time Kwankwaso Supporter Declares Support for Tinubu

Following his resignation from the NDC, Abdullahi declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

His decision comes at a time when Nigeria's major political parties are positioning themselves for another highly competitive electoral cycle.

Tinubu and the APC are expected to face significant opposition in 2027, while opposition politicians continue to explore alliances and political realignments.

Abdullahi's movement from the Kwankwaso camp to the APC therefore adds another layer to the ongoing political calculations in Kano and northern Nigeria.

The decision also comes amid a series of high-profile political movements involving politicians previously associated with Kwankwaso's political structure.

Kwankwasiyya Movement Remains Influential in Kano

Kwankwaso has maintained a powerful political presence in Kano for many years.

His supporters are commonly associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political organisation recognised by its distinctive red-coloured attire and strong grassroots mobilisation.

Kwankwaso, who served as governor of Kano State and later represented Kano Central in the Senate, has also contested Nigeria's presidency.

His political influence extends beyond Kano, particularly among sections of the electorate in northern Nigeria.

The movement has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to mobilise supporters during elections and political campaigns.

However, the political landscape surrounding the movement has continued to change as politicians assess their options ahead of 2027.

Abdullahi's defection is therefore being viewed within the broader context of ongoing political realignments in the country.

Abdullahi Previously Left ADC Following Political Realignment

Abdullahi's latest resignation is not the first time he has changed political platforms in response to developments surrounding Kwankwaso and his political allies.

He had previously resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after the Kwankwasiyya movement shifted its political direction.

The earlier development occurred during a period of uncertainty over the political future of Kwankwaso and his supporters.

Kwankwaso and several of his political allies had previously been associated with efforts to strengthen an opposition platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The political arrangement subsequently evolved, with the Kwankwasiyya camp moving towards the NDC.

Abdullahi was among the grassroots politicians who followed the movement during that period.

His latest decision to leave the NDC and support the APC demonstrates how quickly political alignments can change as Nigeria approaches another general election.

More Kwankwaso Allies Move Toward APC

Abdullahi's defection follows other notable political developments involving politicians linked to Kwankwaso.

In July 2026, Senator Rufai Hanga and former Kano State governor Kabiru Gaya were among prominent politicians received into the APC by President Tinubu.

Hanga has been associated with Kwankwaso's political network and previously represented Kano Central in the Senate.

Gaya, who served as governor of Kano State, has also had links with political structures associated with the former governor.

The movement of prominent politicians into the APC has added to speculation about the strength of different political camps as the 2027 election approaches.

While individual defections do not necessarily determine election outcomes, they can influence party organisation, grassroots mobilisation and the perception of political momentum.

Why Kano Matters Ahead of the 2027 Election

Kano remains one of Nigeria's most politically significant states because of its large population and substantial electoral influence.

Political parties traditionally place considerable emphasis on building strong structures in the state because of its importance in national elections.

The APC, NDC and other political groups are therefore expected to intensify their activities across Kano as the 2027 elections draw closer.

For the APC, attracting politicians with established grassroots networks could strengthen its organisation in the state.

For opposition parties, however, defections of experienced politicians could create challenges in maintaining unity and retaining supporters.

The impact of Abdullahi's decision will ultimately depend on whether his movement attracts additional supporters or remains an individual political decision.

Political Defections Intensify Ahead of 2027

Political defections are common in Nigeria, particularly in the period leading up to major elections.

Politicians frequently move between parties because of differences over party leadership, political opportunities, electoral calculations, ideology, alliances or disagreements over the distribution of positions.

The 2027 election cycle is already generating significant political activity, with politicians across the country reviewing their alliances and exploring possible coalitions.

Abdullahi's decision is another example of this broader trend.

His claim that he spent 29 years with Kwankwaso but did not receive the recognition he expected also highlights the importance of political reward and representation to grassroots politicians.

For many political supporters, loyalty is closely connected to expectations of inclusion, recognition and opportunities within a political structure.

When those expectations are not met, political realignment can become an attractive option.

What Abdullahi's Defection Could Mean for Kano Politics

It remains too early to determine the full political consequences of Abdullahi's decision.

His personal defection does not automatically mean that the wider Kwankwasiyya movement will abandon the NDC or support the APC.

However, the development could contribute to the growing narrative of political realignment in Kano.

If additional grassroots politicians follow Abdullahi, the development could become more significant for the APC.

On the other hand, if his decision remains isolated, its wider electoral impact may be limited.

Much will depend on how political parties organise their structures, select candidates and build alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coming months are likely to bring further political movements as parties prepare for the contest.

Tinubu's APC Seeks Stronger Political Structure

For the APC, the arrival of politicians previously associated with Kwankwaso's political network could provide an opportunity to strengthen its presence in Kano.

President Tinubu's administration will also be seeking to consolidate support across northern Nigeria as it prepares for the next presidential election.

The APC is expected to rely on a combination of incumbency, political alliances, grassroots mobilisation and the performance of its government as it campaigns for another mandate.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, will seek to challenge the ruling party by presenting alternative candidates, policies and political alliances.

Against this background, every major political defection is likely to attract attention.

The Bigger Picture Ahead of 2027

Kabiru Abdullahi's resignation from the NDC and move toward the APC is another indication that Nigeria's political landscape is already entering a period of intense realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His nearly three-decade association with Kwankwaso makes the development particularly notable.

By citing what he described as years of unfulfilled promises and declaring that he wants to move to a platform where he will receive greater respect, Abdullahi has offered his own explanation for the decision.

The move also comes at a time when several politicians previously connected to Kwankwaso's political network are reassessing their affiliations.

Whether these developments translate into significant electoral gains for the APC remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that Kano will remain a major battleground in Nigeria's next presidential and legislative elections.

As political parties continue building alliances, more defections and realignments could emerge before the 2027 polls.

For now, Abdullahi's move from the NDC to the APC adds another chapter to the rapidly changing political landscape and provides a fresh indication of the political calculations taking place across northern Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kabiru Abdullahi?

Kabiru Abdullahi is a Kano-based grassroots politician who has been associated with Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya political movement for many years.

Why did Kabiru Abdullahi leave the NDC?

Abdullahi reportedly said he was leaving because of his experience within the political movement and what he described as years of unfulfilled promises.

Which party has Kabiru Abdullahi joined?

Abdullahi has resigned from the NDC and declared his support for President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

How long had Abdullahi been associated with Kwankwaso?

Abdullahi said he had been with Kwankwaso for 29 years.

What is the Kwankwasiyya movement?

The Kwankwasiyya movement is the political structure associated with former Kano governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso and has significant grassroots influence, particularly in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.

Why is Kano important in Nigerian politics?

Kano is one of Nigeria's most politically influential states because of its large population and substantial electoral importance.

Will Abdullahi's defection affect the 2027 election?

It is too early to determine the electoral impact. Its significance will depend partly on whether other politicians or grassroots supporters follow him and how the major parties organise ahead of the election.

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