Senator Barau Strengthens APC in Kano as Gov’s Aide, NNPP Organising Secretary Defect

By Ugbede James Ankpa

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has welcomed two notable members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)/Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC), further consolidating the party’s strength in Kano State.

Those who defected are Hon. Umar Bala Haruna, Special Assistant to the Governor of Kano State in the Office of the Head of Service, and Hon. Muhammad Hussaini, the Organising Secretary of the NNPP in Bichi Ward, Bichi Local Government Area of the state.
Alongside his defection, Hon. Haruna announced his resignation as Special Assistant to the Governor, citing his commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect for democratic ideals. In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, Haruna—who was appointed in September 2023—formally conveyed his decision to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Malam Ismail Mudashir, disclosed that the two NNPP/Kwankwasiyya Movement stalwarts declared their defection to the APC during a recent courtesy visit to Senator Barau in Abuja.

According to the statement, the decampees expressed admiration for Senator Barau’s exemplary leadership and people-oriented political movement, describing him as an icon and a source of renewed hope for Kano State.
In his response, Senator Barau welcomed them into the APC, noting that their decision underscored the increasing confidence Nigerians have in the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Deputy President of the Senate, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, remarked that the NNPP’s influence in Kano State is waning in the face of the growing support being enjoyed by the APC.
“You are warmly welcome to the people’s party, the APC. You have joined at a time when our people are trooping in large numbers to be part of our collective movement to restore the glory of Kano—a state where governance serves everyone, not just a few individuals and their families, as is presently the case. By the grace of Allah, Kano will rise again under our stewardship for the benefit of all,” Senator Barau said.