The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly denied reports claiming that he 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 APC. The rumours were further fueled on Tuesday night by reports alleging that Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and NNPP presidential candidate, had softened his stance and given his blessing to the move.
However, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, dismissed the reports as entirely false.
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”
Hassan stressed that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a bonafide member of 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 added.
He further clarified that at no point did Kwankwaso approve or support any alleged defection.
“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.”
The party urged the public and the media to disregard the reports and rely only on verified information.
In a separate reaction, NNPP National Spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, also condemned the reports, describing them as deliberate falsehoods aimed at misleading the public.
“This is as wicked a lie as it is a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass,” Johnson said.
He accused those behind the rumours of twisting Kwankwaso’s words to justify their alleged political moves.
“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 advised anyone intending to defect to do so without invoking Kwankwaso’s name.
“If you believe you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go. Do not attempt to deceive the public into thinking you have the blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he warned.
He further cautioned that those who betray the party would face rejection by Nigerians at the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Abba Yusuf has not publicly responded to the defection rumours.
