1,331 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area have abandoned their party to join the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP). The mass defection, which took place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, marks a significant blow to the APC’s stronghold in the region and signals growing discontent with the leadership of former governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
As the sun rose over Dawakin Tofa on Thursday morning, the local NNPP headquarters was a hive of activity. Crowds dressed in the party’s signature green gathered in anticipation of the formal welcoming ceremony for the defectors. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters chanting slogans and waving banners.
Among the defectors were several prominent local figures, including Malam Kwa, the former vice chairman of the local government area, and Hon. Audu Tumfafi, a former state House of Assembly aspirant. Their presence lent weight to the significance of this political shift.
The defectors, hailing from 11 wards across Dawakin Tofa, cited various reasons for their decision to switch allegiances. Chief among these was a deep-seated disappointment with the legacy of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor and a native son of the area.
Malam Kwa, speaking on behalf of the defectors, didn’t mince words. For eight years, we waited for development that never came,” he stated, his voice tinged with frustration. “Ganduje, our own son, failed to bring the progress we desperately needed.”
This sentiment was echoed by many in the crowd. Aisha Mohammed, a local shopkeeper, nodded in agreement. “We gave APC our trust, but what did we get in return? Empty promises and neglect,” she said.
Hon. Hashimu Dungurawa, the State Chairman of NNPP, was on hand to personally welcome the new members into the party’s fold. In a rousing speech that drew frequent applause, Dungurawa emphasized the NNPP’s commitment to Kano’s future.
Under the visionary leadership of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, we are dedicated to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Kano State,” Dungurawa declared. “To our new members, I say this: You will find equal opportunities and a true commitment to progress in the NNPP.”
The defection ceremony wasn’t without its share of political intrigue. Dungurawa took the opportunity to address rumors of a counter-defection from NNPP to APC, dismissing them as baseless.
“We’ve heard tales of mass defections to APC, but our numbers remain strong,” he stated confidently. I advise the public to beware of fraudsters collecting funds in the name of non-existent defectors.
This statement sparked murmurs among the crowd, with many nodding in agreement. It was clear that the political landscape in Kano remains highly charged and competitive.
The defectors made no secret of their intentions for the future. Many expressed a firm commitment to work against the APC’s return to power in Kano State during the 2027 elections.
Hon. Audu Tumfafi, the former House of Assembly aspirant, was particularly vocal on this point. “We’ve seen what APC leadership means for our communities,” he said. “In 2027, we’ll ensure that the people’s true will is reflected at the ballot box.”
Political analysts are already speculating on the potential impact of this mass defection. Dr. Amina Suleiman, a professor of political science at Bayero University Kano, offered her perspective: “While it’s too early to predict the 2027 outcomes, this defection certainly shifts the balance of power in Dawakin Tofa. It’s a clear sign that the APC can no longer take its traditional strongholds for granted.”
As the welcoming ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism among the new NNPP members. Many spoke of feeling reinvigorated and hopeful for the future of their local government area.
Malam Ibrahim, a local farmer, summed up the mood: “Today marks a new beginning for Dawakin Tofa. We’ve chosen a path that we believe will bring real change to our communities.”
As night fell over Kano, the political landscape had shifted. The coming months and years will reveal whether this mass defection was a turning point or merely another chapter in the state’s complex political narrative. One thing is certain: the people of Dawakin Tofa have sent a clear message about their expectations for leadership and development.
