In a bold political move that signals potential realignments in Kano State politics, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano South Senatorial District have made a passionate appeal to Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila, urging him to return to the party. Sumaila, a former House of Representatives member and now serving senator under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has been recognized as a key political figure whose influence remains unshaken across Kano’s southern zone.
The call was made during a press conference in Albasu Local Government Area on Tuesday, where the 16 APC chairmen, secretaries, and ward leaders representing the entire Kano South Senatorial District gathered. Speaking on their behalf, Albasu APC Chairman, Iliyasu Hungu, said the appeal was rooted in the belief that Sumaila’s return would bolster the party’s strength and unify its members at a time of rising political tension and restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is no doubt that Senator Sumaila will add immense value to our great party if he answers our call and returns to the APC. He is the kind of leader who can bring cohesion and strategic advantage to Kano South,” Hungu stated.
Sumaila, who once served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, enjoys widespread respect across political divides for his grassroots connection and effective representation. His political trajectory has seen him switch parties in the past, but his popularity in Kano South has never wavered.
Hungu emphasized that despite Sumaila not currently being a card-carrying member of the APC, he has maintained cordial relationships with party members and leaders alike.
“He’s not just a politician; he is a bridge-builder. His relationship with stakeholders, regardless of political affiliations, makes him an asset we must not let go of,” Hungu added.
The party leaders further appealed to prominent APC stalwarts, including the APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, and Kano State APC Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, to intervene and encourage Sumaila to reconsider his political alignment.
“We are also calling on our serving and former APC state lawmakers from Kano South to join us in this appeal. We need to rebuild the party with competent and committed individuals like Senator Sumaila,” Hungu said.
This appeal is coming amid increasing internal wrangling within the Kano APC and fears that the NNPP, currently ruling the state under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, may further entrench its position unless the APC consolidates its ranks.
Political analysts in Kano believe that bringing Sumaila back into the APC fold could significantly shift the balance of power ahead of the next electoral cycle. His return could also signal a broader realignment of political forces, especially with talks of opposition coalitions and restructuring already gaining traction ahead of 2027.
In a separate comment, a senior APC official in Kano, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, hinted that talks with Senator Sumaila had been ongoing for months behind the scenes, describing the current appeal as a “strategic public nudge.”
“He is a strategic asset, and the party knows what he brings to the table—grassroots mobilization, legislative experience, and a loyal support base. His return would be a game-changer.”
Though Sumaila has yet to publicly respond to the appeal, his media aides say he remains committed to good governance and effective representation, adding that “Senator Sumaila will make a decision in the best interest of his constituents.”
As Kano politics continues to evolve, the Senator’s next move could redefine not just the APC’s strategy but also the broader political configuration of the state.