NNPP denies Kwankwaso’s support for Kano gov defection to APC

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has dismissed claims that its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, endorsed an alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued late Tuesday in Abuja, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, described the report as false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of Kwankwaso’s position. He labelled the claim “a wicked lie” and “a shameful, blatant falsehood.”

According to Johnson, the report was an attempt by unnamed political actors to twist Kwankwaso’s words in order to justify an impending defection from the party. He stressed that Kwankwaso’s stance on the matter remains clear and unchanged.

“It has become obvious that those planning to defect lack self-worth if they feel the need to mislead the public about Kwankwaso’s position,” Johnson said. “Deliberately twisting his words to suggest he endorsed their move is dishonest and childish.”

The NNPP spokesman challenged Governor Yusuf and his supporters to leave the party openly if they so desire, without invoking Kwankwaso’s name.

“If you believe you are heading to greener pastures and enjoy popular support, then go,” he said. “Do not deceive the public into thinking you have the blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”

Johnson further disclosed that Kwankwaso had described the reported defection plans by the governor and some members of the Kwankwasiyya movement as “a cold betrayal of trust and the mandate freely given and defended by the people of Kano State.”

He added that the former Kano State governor was more concerned about calming political tension in the state than engaging in political confrontation, noting that Kwankwaso had said those allegedly being pressured to defect were free to do so.

“By God’s grace, the 2027 elections will come and go, and those who choose the path of betrayal will face the judgment of the good people of Kano,” the statement said.

The NNPP’s denial comes amid rising political tension in Kano State, fuelled by speculations over Governor Yusuf’s possible defection. Reports have also indicated increased security presence around the Government House and major roads in the state capital.

The party maintained that Kwankwaso’s recent remarks, which were allegedly quoted in the report, were misrepresented and did not in any way amount to an endorsement of Governor Yusuf’s rumoured defection or the dismantling of the NNPP’s structure in Kano State.