National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has received 1,230 former supporters of Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila back into the NNPP.
The defectors, who hail from Albasu and Sumaila Local Government Areas in the Kano South Senatorial District, were previously aligned with the Waraka political group.
Their return was formally announced during a political gathering held on Sunday, and attended by key party stakeholders, community leaders, and enthusiastic supporters at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano. 
While addressing the gathering, Kwankwaso welcomed the returnees with open arms, describing their decision as a significant step in the pursuit of progressive, ideology-driven politics.
He reiterated his long-standing commitment to issue-based politics, which he said distinguishes the NNPP from others.
“I am always happy to receive people who believe in our movement, not because of financial incentives, but because of our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.
“This is politics of ideology, not politics of the highest bidder.”
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Jamilu Zamba and Maryam Romo reaffirmed their loyalty to the NNPP and praised Sen. Kwankwaso’s leadership style.
They stated that their decision to rejoin the party was informed by Kwankwaso’s integrity, consistency, and his unwavering commitment to grassroots development.
“We have realized that this is where our political future lies,” said Zamba.
“Kwankwaso has always stood by the people. He doesn’t play money politics. He plays politics that uplifts communities.”
The return of the Waraka group is seen as a major political boost for the NNPP in Kano South, especially as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders believe the development could further strengthen the NNPP’s grassroots structure in the region and reinforce its position as a formidable force in Kano politics.
Other defectors who joined Kwankwasos’s NNPP were from Bunkure and Tofa Local Government Areas.
