Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, a long-time ally of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has officially dumped the ruling party and joined the opposition New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Bakwana, a former political adviser to Ganduje during his tenure as governor of Kano State, also resigned his position as Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
Addressing his supporters in Kano on Wednesday, Bakwana cited “neglect and betrayal” within the APC as his reason for defecting.
“We gave everything to the APC — time, loyalty, sweat. But what did we get in return? Silence, neglect and betrayal. Enough is enough,” he declared.
Bakwana further announced his alignment with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP and a former governor of Kano State.
“We’ve chosen to pitch our tent with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a man who doesn’t forget his people. He understands the game of politics and plays it with honor,” he said.
His defection is seen by observers as a significant blow to Ganduje’s influence in Kano, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. Bakwana had been regarded as one of Ganduje’s most trusted grassroots strategists in the North West.
