The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports claiming he endorsed the rumoured defection of the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports claiming he endorsed the rumoured defection of the governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has intensified in recent days that Governor Yusuf is finalising plans to leave the NNPP for the APC. Reports on Tuesday night further alleged that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the NNPP, had reversed his earlier opposition to such a move and given his approval.
However, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, described the claims as false and misleading.
“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 emphasised that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and is still a member of the party.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the NNPP platform and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the people’s freely given mandate,” he said.”Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the NNPP platform and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the people’s freely given mandate,” he said.
He continued, “At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC.He continued, “At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any report claiming otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts and should be viewed with extreme scepticism.”Any report claiming otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts and should be viewed with extreme scepticism.”
The NNPP also urged the public and the media to use verified information.The NNPP also urged the public and the media to use verified information. “We urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely solely on verified and credible sources for accurate information,” the statement read.”We urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely solely on verified and credible sources for accurate information,” the statement read.
Johnson added that anyone who wishes to defect should do so without claiming Kwankwaso’s support.Johnson added that anyone who wishes to defect should do so without claiming Kwankwaso’s support. “We’d appreciate it if these people could simply leave the party if they want to.”We’d appreciate it if these people could simply leave the party if they want to. If you believe you are going to greener pastures with the support of the masses, then go,” he said.If you believe you are going to greener pastures with the support of the masses, then go,” he said.
“Do not try to fool the masses by claiming to have Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s support or blessings,” Johnson warned, adding that those who betrayed the party would be rejected by Nigerians in the 2027 general election.”Do not try to fool the masses by claiming to have Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s support or blessings,” Johnson warned, adding that those who betrayed the party would be rejected by Nigerians in the 2027 general election.
Governor Yusuf had not publicly commented on the rumours of defection at the time of writing.Governor Yusuf had not publicly commented on the rumours of defection at the time of writing.
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