National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has firmly rejected claims that he endorsed reports suggesting that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has grown in recent days over alleged plans by Governor Yusuf to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC. The rumours intensified on Tuesday night following reports that Kwankwaso, a former Kano governor and NNPP presidential candidate, had allegedly softened his stance and given approval for the move.
Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, however, dismissed the reports as false and deceptive.
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”
Hassan emphasised that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and continues to belong to the party.
“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,” he stated.
He further clarified that Kwankwaso never supported or approved any defection plan involving the governor.
“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,” Hassan added.
The NNPP also cautioned the public and media organisations against spreading unverified information. “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,” the statement said.
In a separate response, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson also rejected the reports, describing them as outright falsehoods.
“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 accused individuals allegedly planning to leave the party of twisting Kwankwaso’s words to mislead the public. “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,” he stated.
Johnson maintained that anyone wishing to defect should do so without invoking Kwankwaso’s name. “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,” he said.
“Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson warned, adding that those who betray the party would face rejection by Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Yusuf has not publicly responded to the defection rumours.
What you should know
The New Nigeria People’s Party has been grappling with internal tensions amid persistent speculation about high-profile defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rabiu Kwankwaso remains the party’s most influential figure, especially in Kano State, where the NNPP recorded a major electoral victory in 2023. Any defection by Governor Abba Yusuf would have significant political implications for the party’s structure and future relevance in the state.
The NNPP leadership’s swift denial highlights efforts to contain internal cracks and reaffirm party loyalty amid mounting political realignments.
