The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has accused the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of allegedly forcing state officials and elected local government chairmen to sign documents indicating their defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso made the allegation on Wednesday in a post on his verified social media platforms, describing reports reaching him as “deeply disturbing.”
He claimed that officials were being compelled to endorse documents aligning them with either the Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya political camps.
“I have received several reports—some good and some very terrible—indicating that the Kano State Government is compelling state officials and elected local government chairmen to sign documents either in support of Gandujiyya or Kwankwasiyya,” he alleged.
Describing the development as disheartening, Kwankwaso said it was unfortunate for any government to resort to such actions. He urged supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement to remain alert, while advising those allegedly affected to comply if necessary to avoid victimisation.
“Since it has reached this level, those being forced to sign the document may go ahead and do so in order not to be victimised by the government,” he said, while also commending his supporters for their loyalty.
However, the Kano State Government swiftly dismissed the allegation.
The Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, noted that participation in any defection plan was entirely voluntary.
“What exactly happened is that our party is asking everybody—not only government officials—who are willingly ready to join the APC to do so.
“Nobody is being compelled, contrary to what has been reported,” Waiya said.
The exchange comes amid persistent rumours that Governor Yusuf may defect from the NNPP to the APC ahead of the next general elections.
Yusuf, who was elected in 2023 on the NNPP platform, is widely seen as a political protégé of Kwankwaso, and the speculation has reportedly strained relations between both men.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has reaffirmed his loyalty to Kwankwaso.
Sources said Gwarzo, who returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after performing the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, visited Kwankwaso at his Miller Road residence in Kano to reassure him of his continued allegiance to the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Party sources also disclosed that other senior figures, including the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofar Mata; the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso; and the factional NNPP chairman in Kano State, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, have pledged their support to Kwankwaso.
A senior NNPP official said the show of support was meant to signal that key figures within the party and government remain aligned with Kwankwaso despite ongoing defection rumours.
Although Governor Yusuf has not publicly confirmed any plan to defect, analysts say the sustained speculation has exposed growing internal divisions within the NNPP, heightening political tension in Kano State as rival factions intensify consultations over possible realignments.
- Troops repel ISWAP attack in Damasak - March 4, 2026
- Two nabbed over attempted baby sale in Cross River - March 4, 2026
- Zenith Bank set to inspire women leaders at power-packed IWD seminar - March 4, 2026
