By Seyi Odewale
The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has welcomed back into the NNPP no fewer than 1,230 former supporters of Hon. Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila.
The defectors, who hail from Albasu and Sumaila Local Government Areas in the Kano South Senatorial District, were previously aligned with the Waraka political group.
Their return was formally announced during a political gathering held on Sunday, attended by key party stakeholders, community leaders, and enthusiastic supporters at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road.
While addressing the gathering, Senator Kwankwaso welcomed the returnees with open arms, describing their decision as a significant step in the pursuit of progressive, ideology-driven politics.
He reiterated his long-standing commitment to issue-based politics, which he said distinguishes the NNPP from others.
“I am always happy to receive people who believe in our movement, not because of financial incentives, but because of our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.
“This is politics of ideology, not politics of the highest bidder.”
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Jamilu Zambia and Maryam Romo reaffirmed their loyalty to the NNPP and praised Senator Kwankwaso’s leadership style.
They stated that their decision to rejoin the party was informed by Kwankwaso’s integrity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to grassroots development.
“We have realised that this is where our political future lies,” said Zambia.
“Kwankwaso has always stood by the people. He doesn’t play money politics. He plays politics that uplifts communities.”
The return of the Waraka group is viewed as a significant political boost for the NNPP in Kano South, particularly as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders believe the development could further strengthen the NNPP’s grassroots structure in the region and reinforce its position as a formidable force in Kano politics.
Other defectors who joined Kwankwasos’s NNPP were from Bunkure and Tofa local government areas.
