NNPP denies reports that Senator Kwankwaso endorsed Kano Governor Abba Yusuf’s rumored defection to APC, calling the claim false and misleading

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has dismissed claims that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the rumoured defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reports as false and misleading.

Also read: Rabiu Kwankwaso Sets Tough Conditions for Joining APC

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, issued a statement late Tuesday in Abuja, challenging a Premium Times report which suggested Kwankwaso had instructed supporters to cooperate with a political movement linked to the APC amid speculation over Governor Yusuf’s possible defection.

“The NNPP has described the so-called ‘breaking news’ by Premium Times that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has suddenly reversed his well-known position and endorsed the defection of the Governor of Kano State from the NNPP to the APC as a wicked lie and a shameful, blatant falsehood,” Johnson said.

He accused unnamed political actors of deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s words to justify an impending defection, insisting that the senator’s position remained unchanged.

“It has become clear that those seeking to defect have no self-worth if they feel they must misinform the public about Kwankwaso’s position.

Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses into believing that he has endorsed their move is as childish as it is dishonest,” Johnson added.

The party urged Governor Yusuf and any loyalists contemplating defection to leave openly rather than 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 believe you are heading to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go.

Do not attempt to deceive the public into thinking you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson said.

The statement reiterated that Kwankwaso views the reported plan by the governor and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement to defect as “a cold betrayal of trust and the mandate freely given and defended by the people of Kano State.”

“He wants to diffuse the current political tension in the state and has stated that those being arm-twisted and forced into defection should feel free to go.

By God’s grace, the elections of 2027 will come and go, leaving those who chose the path of betrayal with the verdict of the good people of Kano,” it added.

The rebuttal comes amid heightened political tension in Kano, with security forces from the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services deployed around the Government House and major access roads following speculation about Governor Yusuf’s potential move.

Armoured personnel carriers and patrol vehicles were reported at strategic locations across the state capital.

Premium Times had reported earlier on Tuesday that Kwankwaso, while addressing supporters in Hausa, advised those under pressure to join a political movement linked to the APC to avoid victimisation, referencing the Gandujiyya movement associated with former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

Also read: If Kwankwaso defects to APC, I will welcome him-Ganduje

However, the NNPP insists the remarks were misrepresented and do not constitute an endorsement of Governor Yusuf’s rumoured defection or approval of dismantling the party’s structure in Kano.