Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has reacted to the defection of two prominent members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)/Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decampees include Hon. Umar Bala Haruna, Special Assistant to the Governor of Kano State in the Office of the Head of Service and Hon. Muhammad Hussaini, the Organising Secretary of NNPP in Bichi Ward of Bichi LGA of the state.

In addition to his defection, Haruna also announced his resignation as Special Assistant to the Governor.

He based this on his “principles of integrity, accountability, and respect for democratic values”.

In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, Haruna, who was appointed in September 2023, informed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through the Secretary to the State Government, of his decision to resign.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said the two NNPP/ Kwankwasiyya Movement chieftains announced their defection to the APC during a courtesy call to Senator Barau in Abuja, recently.

He said the decampees expressed satisfaction with the excellent leadership and people-driven movements of the Deputy President of the Senate, describing him as an icon and beacon of hope for Kano State.

Responding, Senator Barau welcomed the decampees, describing their decision as a reflection of the growing confidence of Nigerians in the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Barau stated that the days of the NNPP were numbered in Kano State, given the growing support the APC is enjoying in the state.

“You are welcome on board to the people’s party, APC. You joined at a time when our people are queuing up to join our movement to restore the glorious days of Kano, where the government works for all, not just a few individuals and their families, as it is now. Under our watch, Insha Allah, Kano will bounce back for the good of all,” Barau said. (Daily Trust)