Tag: Political Realignment

  • 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

  • Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    Atiku Abubakar Rules Out Stepping Down for ADC Presidential Ticket

    In an update published by The Punch, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed claims that he might withdraw from the contest for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, insisting he remains committed to the race.

    Through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the ruling APC of attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of opposition coalitions and urged Nigerians to resist moves aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported the stance, noting Atiku’s rejection of calls to step aside and pointing to heightened interest in the ADC following recent political realignments.

    Echotitbits take: Atiku’s refusal to step aside sets up a high‑stakes internal contest. Peter Obi may bring youth momentum, while Atiku brings structure and experience—how the party manages competing ambitions will shape whether it unifies or fractures ahead of 2027.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/adc-presidential-ticket-no-one-is-stepping-down-atiku/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: Vanguard