The recent attendance of prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures, including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, at the private ceremonies of a prominent opposition senator in Kano has stirred up political controversy and speculation.
Senator Kawu Sumaila, who currently represents Kano South under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), made headlines ahead of the 2023 elections when he defected from the APC following a prolonged leadership crisis within the party. His recent decision to invite APC members to his family events has now raised eyebrows, with many questioning the underlying political implications.
On Friday, Jibrin, who led a delegation of federal lawmakers, confirmed their attendance at the wedding of Sumaila’s children, which took place in Sumaila town, Kano State on February 21.
The wedding united Dr. Khadija Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Faisal Abdulmanaf Sarina, and Maryam Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila with Bello Ibrahim Ma’aji, in a ceremony officiated by Professor Salisu Shehu, Imam of Sumaila Jumaat Mosque.
Jibrin’s statement also highlighted the attendance of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, who joined the festivities and offered blessings for the newlyweds.
“May Allah bless their union and give them patience, endurance, tolerance, and love. Congratulations to the newlyweds,” Jibrin added in his post.
The following day, both Jibrin and Ganduje were present at the first convocation of Al-Istiqama University, a private institution reportedly founded by Senator Sumaila in the Sumaila Local Government Area.
This further fueled speculation about the growing relationship between the APC and the NNPP senator.
Within the NNPP, these moves have sparked unease, with many members expressing concern over Sumaila’s increasing openness to opposition figures. There are growing rumors that Sumaila may be contemplating a return to the APC, especially as he continues to distance himself from NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano.
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The senator’s tensions with the state government have been well documented, especially over the controversial reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the 2019 State Emirate Council Law, which had consolidated power in five emirates.
The involvement of APC heavyweights at Sumaila’s events, including former Kano governor Ibrahim Shekarau of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has left many questioning the senator’s allegiance.
With his history of disagreements with the state government, particularly over the dissolution of emirates created under Ganduje’s administration, there’s increasing speculation that Sumaila may once again align with the APC.
Should Sumaila make the move back to the APC, he would join a growing list of opposition lawmakers defecting to the ruling party, further shifting the political dynamics in Kano.
The NNPP, which currently holds the title of Nigeria’s fourth-largest party in terms of parliamentary representation, has been struggling to maintain its influence in Kano—the only state it governs.
While NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso managed to secure a victory only in Kano, a potential shift in allegiance by Sumaila could mark a significant blow to the party’s already fragile standing.
 figures, including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, at the private ceremonies of a prominent opposition senator in Kano has stirred up political controversy and speculation.){kind=link}