Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila has announced his resignation from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and is expected to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC), following months of internal conflict within the NNPP. The lawmaker revealed his decision in a social media post, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to advancing the welfare of his constituents.

“I am deeply dedicated to advancing the welfare of my people, meeting their needs, and securing their future,” Sumaila stated. Although he did not explicitly mention the APC in his resignation, it is widely believed that he will align himself with the party after prolonged speculation.

The move comes after a series of disagreements within the NNPP, particularly surrounding Governor Abba Yusuf’s controversial actions, including the reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the State Emirate Council Law 2019, which had created five emirate councils in the state. Sumaila and other lawmakers from Kano South strongly opposed these moves, arguing they conflicted with the interests of their constituents.

In February, the NNPP suspended Sumaila and several other federal lawmakers from Kano over their stance on these issues. Despite the suspension, the lawmakers rejected the action, citing their allegiance to a different faction of the NNPP.

This resignation marks the latest development in the political turbulence within Kano, the NNPP's primary stronghold. The party, now the fourth-largest in Nigeria based on parliamentary representation, has been grappling with internal divisions, particularly in Kano, where several members have distanced themselves from the state government’s policies.

Sumaila had previously defected from the APC ahead of the 2023 elections due to a leadership crisis within the party. However, he has since grown closer to APC figures, having invited National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to personal ceremonies in his local government area. These gestures signal his growing alignment with the APC.

With Kano being a critical state in Nigerian politics, Sumaila’s defection is likely to have significant implications for both the APC and the NNPP, particularly as the country gears up for the 2027 presidential elections. This move reflects a broader trend of political realignments as politicians like Sumaila seek new alliances to safeguard their future and address the needs of their voters.