Former APC Chairman’s Aide Defects to NDC Ahead of 2027 Elections

A former member of the House of Representatives and ex-Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mustapha Bala Dawaki, has left the ruling party to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Dawaki was formally received on Monday by a leader of the NDC and founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at a meeting held at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano.

The former lawmaker was welcomed into the Kwankwasiyya fold with the symbolic red cap associated with the political movement.

His defection comes barely a week after he reportedly lost his bid to secure the APC consensus ticket for the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency seat.

Confirming the development in a statement, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, said the former APC stalwart had formally joined the NDC along with his political supporters.

Political observers view the move as another major shake-up in Kano politics, particularly as opposition parties and ruling party blocs intensify consultations and consensus arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the NDC indicated that Dawaki’s entry could further alter the political equation in Kano, where several aspirants are currently lobbying for party tickets.

While details of any future political arrangement involving Dawaki were not officially disclosed, party insiders said consultations were ongoing regarding possible elective positions.

A source close to the meeting said the former lawmaker pledged loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement and expressed readiness to work with the party leadership, adding that the decision followed wide consultations with his political associates and supporters.

During the symbolic reception, Kwankwaso urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the opposition ahead of the elections. The former governor described inclusiveness and internal unity as critical to the party’s future success.

Dawaki previously represented Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives before serving as Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman. His defection is the latest in a series of political movements reshaping Kano’s political landscape ahead of 2027.