The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State suffered a fresh political blow on Saturday after hundreds of its members reportedly left the party for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were received into the NDC in Takai Local Government Area by the party’s Kano South senatorial candidate, Dr Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya, during a political gathering in the area.
The latest movement adds to a series of defections involving politicians and supporters of different parties in Kano as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC has recorded growing support in the state since former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, emerged as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
The development has also created a more competitive political environment in Kano, with supporters moving between political camps as parties prepare for the next general election.
While the NDC has attracted members of the APC and other political groups, there have also been reports of politicians leaving Kwankwaso’s camp to join the ruling APC.
Kano is expected to be one of the key battlegrounds in the 2027 election because of its large voting population and strong political networks.
The political situation in the state has also been shaped by the strained relationship between Kwankwaso and his former political ally, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who now belongs to the APC.
Their rivalry is expected to play a major role in the political contest as the two camps seek to strengthen their influence across Kano.
The recent defections are coming at a time when political parties are increasing their grassroots mobilisation, consultations and membership drives ahead of the election.
The movement of APC members to the NDC could provide the opposition party with additional support in Takai and other parts of Kano South, although the impact of the development on the final election outcome remains uncertain.
Political parties in the state are expected to continue their efforts to attract supporters and influential figures as the 2027 election draws closer.