Political tension has heightened in Kano State following reports that Governor Abba Yusuf is considering defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has drawn strong resistance from the party’s leadership and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The reported plan has triggered internal divisions within the NNPP, especially between allies of the governor and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement established by Kwankwaso, raising concerns about unity within the ruling party in the state.
In a press statement released on behalf of the NNPP in Kano State and at the national level, the party said it was fully aware of the political developments unfolding and made it clear that it does not support any defection to the APC.
“We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” the NNPP Kano State Chairman, Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said. “I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.”
Dungurawa revealed that the party had made repeated attempts to convince those allegedly involved to remain calm and committed to the NNPP, stressing that such efforts were driven by responsibility to both party members and the people of Kano State.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano,” he stated.
He also made a passionate appeal to Governor Yusuf and others said to be contemplating defection to rethink their decision and remain within the party.
“On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected,” he said.
The NNPP chairman dismissed suggestions that certain party officials were deliberately working to set the governor against Senator Kwankwaso, insisting that no such plot existed within the party.
“We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it,” he said.
He further urged Kano residents to remain peaceful and go about their lawful activities, cautioning party members against attaching their names to documents allegedly being circulated by what he described as “mischief makers.”
Responding to inquiries on the matter, the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, acknowledged the presence of internal disagreements within the NNPP but declined to address the alleged defection directly.
“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements,” Bature said. “However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time.”
He added that the party leadership was addressing the situation internally and advised the public to avoid speculation.
Dungurawa concluded by appealing to the people of Kano State and Nigerians to continue supporting the NNPP and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as the party prepares for future political engagements.
The unfolding situation is expected to significantly shape Kano’s political direction as shifting alliances and power calculations ahead of future elections continue to emerge.
What you should know
Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, and any major defection involving its sitting governor could reshape political balances at both state and national levels.
The NNPP rose to prominence in Kano through the Kwankwasiyya movement, which commands strong grassroots loyalty. Tensions between party leadership and the state government highlight broader struggles over control, loyalty, and strategy ahead of upcoming elections.
How the NNPP manages this internal crisis may determine whether it retains its dominance in Kano or opens the door for rival parties to regain influence.
