…the defectors praised Senator Barau’s leadership and people-oriented initiatives,
KANO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has welcomed two notable members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)/Kwankwasiyya Movement into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors are Hon. Umar Bala Haruna, Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor in the Office of the Head of Service, and Hon. Muhammad Hussaini, the NNPP Organising Secretary for Bichi Ward in Bichi Local Government Area.
Alongside his defection, Haruna announced his resignation as Special Assistant to the Governor, citing his commitment to integrity, accountability and democratic values.
In a resignation letter dated December 22, 2025, Haruna, who was appointed in September 2023, formally notified Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of his decision through the Secretary to the State Government.
A statement by Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said the NNPP chieftains declared their defection during a recent courtesy visit to the Deputy Senate President in Abuja.
According to the statement, the defectors praised Senator Barau’s leadership and people-oriented initiatives, describing him as a symbol of hope for Kano State.
In his response, Senator Barau welcomed them to the APC, describing their move as evidence of growing public confidence in the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Deputy Senate President, who also serves as First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said the NNPP’s influence in Kano was waning as the APC continued to gain momentum across the state.
“You are welcome to the people’s party, APC. You have joined at a time when many are embracing our movement to restore the glory of Kano, where governance serves all and not a privileged few. By God’s grace, Kano will rise again for the benefit of everyone,” Barau said.
