The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially received 1,230 former supporters of Hon. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila back into the party.
The returnees, drawn from Albasu and Sumaila Local Government Areas in the Kano South Senatorial District, were formerly aligned with the Waraka political group. Their defection was formalized during a political gathering on Sunday at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road, Kano.
The event, which was attended by key NNPP stakeholders, grassroots mobilizers, and community leaders, was marked by excitement and renewed party solidarity.
In his address, Senator Kwankwaso welcomed the defectors, describing their return as a reaffirmation of the NNPP’s ideological foundation and a rejection of transactional politics.
“I am always happy to receive people who believe in our movement, not because of financial incentives, but because of our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.
“This is politics of ideology, not politics of the highest bidder.”
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Jamilu Zamba and Maryam Romo cited Kwankwaso’s integrity, consistency, and pro-people policies as key reasons for their decision to rejoin the NNPP.
“We have realized that this is where our political future lies,” said Zamba.
“Kwankwaso has always stood by the people. He doesn’t play money politics. He plays politics that uplifts communities.”
The defection of the Waraka group is viewed as a significant political win for the NNPP in Kano South, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to intensify.
Party insiders believe the influx of returning members could further solidify NNPP’s grassroots strength and improve its chances in the region.
In addition to the Waraka group, other defectors from Bunkure and Tofa local government areas also declared their allegiance to Kwankwaso’s leadership and the NNPP.