Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Defection

  • APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finalized his political transition from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is scheduled to officially register at his Gwale ward on January 26, 2026, a move that signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.

    State officials have described the move as a “homecoming.” The governor’s camp says the shift will improve coordination between Kano’s government and the federal administration in Abuja. The transition reportedly includes the defection of 22 state lawmakers and 44 local government chairmen, potentially reshaping legislative and administrative alignments across the state.

    While supporters frame the decision as a pathway to accelerated development, critics argue it may narrow political diversity in Kano. Separate reporting has described the defection as further consolidating the APC’s position nationally, with Kano officials also pushing back against narratives that the state’s political future should revolve around any single individual.

    Echotitbits take: This defection effectively collapses the NNPP’s strongest base. Watch for how the Kwankwasiyya movement reacts—this could either lead to a total APC hegemony in Kano or trigger a new, aggressive opposition coalition.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/kano-gov-to-formally-rejoin-apc-monday/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Per the coverage by Daily Post, Kano State’s political temperature rose after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf addressed rumours of a possible move to the APC, telling supporters he prefers action over talk.

    Yusuf currently governs under the NNPP, and speculation around a defection has triggered reactions among party stakeholders and allies, including those aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    Analysts say any cross-carpeting in Kano could reshape regional alliances ahead of the next election cycle.

    **Echotitbits take:** Kano remains pivotal to northern politics, so any defection would have outsized ripple effects. Watch for signals from the Kano assembly and the Kwankwasiyya base, and whether federal-level political bargaining accelerates.
    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/06/apc-move-gov-yusuf-secures-backing-of-kano-lawmakers-other-stakeholders/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    According to Legit NG, the formal defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered a massive wave of new memberships and a reshuffling of political alliances ahead of the 2027 cycle. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that the party has seen an influx of lawmakers and grassroots supporters since the announcement.

    The ‘Obi factor’ is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the opposition, as the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative to the PDP and APC. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to a broader coalition of ‘third-force’ parties seeking to challenge the current administration’s grip on power.

    The story was also covered by Premium Times and The Punch. Premium Times reported on the ‘ADC ticket battle’ as other prominent figures begin to eye the party’s platform, while The Punch noted that ‘Obi’s formal defection boosted the party’s membership,’ quoting senior party officials on the strategic importance of the move.

    Echotitbits take: Peter Obi remains the most disruptive force in Nigerian politics. His move to the ADC suggests he is building a new structure early to avoid the last-minute logistics issues that hampered his 2023 run. The influx of lawmakers indicates that ‘Obidients’ are now focused on building legislative power alongside the presidency.
    Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/adc-membership-swells-after-obis-defection/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • Governor Abba Yusuf Postpones Highly Anticipated Defection to APC

    Governor Abba Yusuf Postpones Highly Anticipated Defection to APC

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the rumored move of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been delayed. Initially expected to take place on Monday, January 5, the official ceremony was reportedly pushed back to allow for further ‘high-level consultations’ between the Governor’s camp and the presidency.

    Speculation about the defection has dominated Kano politics for weeks, following several high-profile meetings between Yusuf and APC leaders. Sources suggest that the delay may be linked to internal friction within the Kano APC chapter, where some leaders are wary of the power shift the Governor’s entry would cause. For now, Yusuf remains the only NNPP governor in the country, though his long-term loyalty remains a subject of intense debate.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and The Nation track the political tension. Vanguard noted that ‘the defection would effectively end the Kwankwasiyya influence in Kano,’ while The Nation quoted an APC senator who congratulated Yusuf on his birthday, calling him a ‘committed democratic leader’—a move seen as a public invitation.

    Echotitbits take: This is ‘delay but not denial.’ In Nigerian politics, a postponed defection usually means the ‘price’ of the move is still being negotiated—specifically, who controls the party structure in the state. If Yusuf moves, it could lead to a total realignment of the North-West political bloc ahead of 2027.
    Source: TheNation – https://thenationonlineng.net/governor-yusufs-planned-defection-to-apc-shifted-to-january-12/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: TheGuardian

  • Governor Yusuf Delays Highly Anticipated Move to APC for Further Consultations

    Governor Yusuf Delays Highly Anticipated Move to APC for Further Consultations

    In an update published by Daily Post, the scheduled defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been postponed. Originally slated for January 5, 2026, the official ceremony is now expected to take place on January 12.

    The delay reportedly stems from the Governor’s desire to hold additional high-level meetings with key stakeholders and state legislators who remain skeptical of the move. Sources suggest that a recent meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja played a pivotal role in the strategic decision to allow more time for internal party alignment.

    Vanguard confirmed the political shift, noting that ‘Kano’s political landscape remains in flux’ as the Governor seeks a smoother transition. Premium Times also reported on the development, stating that the ‘PDP describes Mutfwang’s earlier defection as a betrayal,’ highlighting the growing tension surrounding cross-carpeting governors in the region.

    Echotitbits take: Governor Yusuf is clearly treading carefully to avoid a legislative crisis or a ‘Kankwaso backlash.’ If he successfully moves to the APC, it will effectively consolidate the ruling party’s grip on the North-West ahead of the next election cycle.

    Source: Independent — https://independentpost.ng/29528-2/
    Independent January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Independent

  • You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi

    You Left Our Party for APC Because of Personal Reasons, PDP Replies Umahi

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, of his defection to All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the governor left the opposition party for “personal reasons,” which Nigerians would come to know at the fullness of time.

    While thanking Umahi for services rendered to the people of Ebonyi State, as the state chairman of the party (2003 to 2007); deputy governor (2007 to 2015) and two term governor of Ebonyi State (2015 till date), all elected on the platform of the opposition party, PDP wished him “all the best in his adventure.”

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    President Buhari Proud of Ebonyi Governor’s Defection to Ruling APC

    “We call on the members of our party to remain calm and committed to the ideals of our party as no individual is bigger than PDP,” the party noted.

    Meanwhile, PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Tuesday held a crucial meeting where it announced the dissolution of the ward, local government and state executive committees of Ebonyi State chapter of the party forthwith.

    NWC also dissolved the South-east Zonal Caretaker Committee of the party.

    These decisions were pursuant to the powers conferred on NWC by PDP Constitution.

    Following the dissolution of Ebonyi State executive members of the party, NWC has constituted a state caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of PDP in the state in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

    Members of Ebonyi State Caretaker Committee include: Fred Udeogu (Chairman); Luke Nkwegu (Secretary); Gideon Osi (Publicity Secretary); James Alaka (Organising Secretary); Amaka Igboke (Women Leader); Mudi Irenede (Legal Adviser); and Ibeshi (Youth Leader).

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    “The decision of the NWC in this regard is pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

    “All our leaders, members and teeming supporters in Ebonyi State and the South-east are by this guided accordingly,” the party said.

    Idowu Sowunmi