The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly rejected reports claiming he approved or endorsed the alleged defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has intensified in recent days over claims that Governor Yusuf is finalising plans to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC, fuelling widespread political reactions within and outside Kano State.
The rumours gained further traction on Tuesday night following reports suggesting that Kwankwaso, who had consistently opposed any move by NNPP members to the APC, had made a dramatic U-turn and given his blessing to the governor’s purported defection.
However, the former Kano State governor swiftly moved to shut down the narrative. In a statement issued by his media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, the reports were described as completely unfounded, with assurances that Kwankwaso remains “fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the party.”
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” the statement said.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people.
“At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism.
“We therefore urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely only on verified and credible sources for accurate information.”
In a separate reaction, the NNPP’s national spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, also dismissed the reports in strong terms, accusing the promoters of the rumour of deliberate falsehood.
“This is as wicked a lie as it is clearly a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass and are completely devoid of any scruples,” Johnson said.
He added that individuals pushing the narrative lack integrity and are intentionally distorting Kwankwaso’s position to justify their personal ambitions.
“Those seeking to leave the party have no self-worth if they feel they must misinform the public about Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s position,” he said.
“Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses that he has endorsed their impending move is as pitifully childish as it can get,” Johnson added.
The NNPP spokesperson further challenged anyone intent on leaving the party to do so openly without dragging Kwankwaso into the matter.
“We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party, if they choose to go. If you feel that you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go.
“Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”
Johnson concluded by warning that Nigerians would not take kindly to acts of political betrayal, stressing that those who abandon the party would face rejection at the polls in the 2027 general elections.
