Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum’s secretary, Kano gov’s brother, others defect to APC

In a significant political shift, the Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum, Yahaya Aliyu, alongside 23 executive members of the association, has defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau announced the defection in a statement on his X handle on Saturday, revealing that the Kano State governor’s brother, Mahbub Nuhu Wali, had also joined the APC.

Barau stated: “I received the Secretary of Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum, Malam Yahaya Abdulkadir Aliyu, and 23 executive members of the association to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the largest party in Africa.

“I also received some relatives of the Kano State Governor including his brother, Mahbub Nuhu Wali, to the APC.

“The two groups thrashed their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, during their visit to me at the National Assembly on Friday.”

He added that after the visit, the defectors accompanied him to an event at the A-Class Event Centre, where they welcomed a coalition of support groups of Atiku Abubakar from across the 19 northern states.

“In welcoming them to the APC, I reiterated my commitment to improving the lives of our people in the Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State, the North, and the entire nation,” Barau said.

“As the Deputy President of the Senate, I want to emphasise that I’m a Senator for all. Regardless of your political affiliation—whether you are a PDP, LP, Kwankwasiyya, or even APGA member—I am here for you.

“My doors are open to all. If you wish to join our party, the APC, the people’s party, you are welcome to do so. The more, the merrier!”

The defections mark a blow to the NNPP, particularly in Kano, where the Kwankwasiyya movement has long been a powerful political force.