Kwankwaso ally Abdullahi leaves the NDC for the APC, citing unfulfilled promises and declaring support for Bola Tinubu in 2027
Kabiru Abdullahi, a long-time ally of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, has resigned from the party and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Abdullahi announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the NDC chairman of Kofar Ruwa Ward in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, bringing an end to his association with the party.
The former NDC member said his decision was driven by what he described as years of unfulfilled promises during his 29-year association with Kwankwaso and the political movement associated with the former Kano governor.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
His comments point to a personal and political calculation behind the defection, with Abdullahi saying his long-standing relationship with Kwankwaso had not resulted in the recognition or political benefits he had expected.
Abdullahi thanked the NDC for the opportunity to serve but said his resignation took immediate effect.
He subsequently declared his support for the APC and Tinubu as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 general election.
The defection is notable because of Abdullahi’s longstanding association with Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political network with a strong base in Kano.
His departure also comes at a time when Nigeria’s political parties are beginning to position themselves more aggressively ahead of the 2027 elections, with defections and realignments expected to shape contests at both national and state levels.
Abdullahi’s decision is particularly significant in Kano, one of the country’s most politically influential states and a traditional centre of support for Kwankwaso and his political allies.
The former NDC supporter had previously defended Kwankwaso publicly during a period of political controversy in Kano State, making his latest move to the APC a notable shift in allegiance.
For the APC, Abdullahi’s declaration provides another indication of the continuing political realignment ahead of 2027.
For Kwankwaso and the NDC, however, the defection represents the loss of a supporter who had remained associated with the Kwankwasiyya camp for nearly three decades.
Abdullahi’s move does not, by itself, indicate a wider shift among Kwankwaso’s supporters, but it underscores the increasingly competitive political environment surrounding the 2027 presidential contest.
With political parties already strengthening their structures and seeking influential supporters across key states, further defections could emerge as the election approaches.
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For now, Abdullahi has made his position clear: after 29 years of supporting Kwankwaso, he is backing Tinubu and the APC for 2027.
