The political landscape of Kano State has been thrown into chaos following a massive defection within the Kano State House of Assembly. The Speaker of the House, along with 21 other members, has officially dumped the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The announcement, made today, Sunday, 25 January 2026, represents a crippling blow to the NNPP’s control over the state’s legislative arm and marks one of the largest single-day defections in the state’s recent history.
The mass exit has fundamentally shifted the balance of power in the Assembly:
Total Defectors: 22 Lawmakers (including the Speaker).
Remaining NNPP Seats: The party has lost its “super-majority” status overnight.
Target Party: While some members have remained silent on their next move, the majority are expected to align with either the APC or a newly forming regional coalition ahead of the 2027 cycle.
Insiders suggest the “Great Kano Desertion” was fueled by three primary tensions like rumors of a widening rift between the House leadership and the executive branch (Governor’s office) over budgetary control and project approvals.
Another, are disputes over the influence of the party’s national leadership and the direction of the “Kwankwasiyya” movement in the lead-up to the next general elections.
Interestingly, some defectors cited the need for a more “nationalistic approach” to governance, echoing the rhetoric currently used by the new Board of Peace diplomatic framework.
Shift in the Kano House of Assembly
| Status | Before Jan 25, 2026 | After Jan 25, 2026 | Impact |
| NNPP Control | Super-Majority | Minority / Plurality | Legislative Gridlock Likely |
| Speaker | NNPP Member | Independent/Opposition | Potential Impeachment Battle |
| Opposition | Fractured | Massive Gain | Strengthened Oversight |
Statement from the Speaker
“Our decision to leave is not an act of betrayal but an act of survival for the people of Kano. We can no longer continue in a system that prioritizes internal party loyalty over the urgent developmental needs of our constituents. We must seek a broader platform to serve our people.”
