Kano politics has been thrown into fresh tension following reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf plans to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move strongly opposed by the party’s leadership and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The alleged plan has triggered internal disagreements within the NNPP, pitting supporters of the governor against loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement founded by Kwankwaso.
In a statement issued on behalf of the NNPP at both the Kano State and national levels, the party said it was fully aware of the unfolding situation and does not support any defection to the APC.
The Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said the party’s leadership, including Kwankwaso, had not approved any move to leave the NNPP.
“We are aware of the developments in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC. I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, do not approve of this,” he said.
Dungurawa said the party had made several efforts to persuade those involved to remain patient and stay within the NNPP in the interest of Kano residents.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them not to defect to the APC because of our responsibility to the people of Kano State,” he added.
He further appealed directly to the governor and others allegedly planning to defect to reconsider their decision, urging them not to abandon the party they collectively built.
The NNPP chairman also dismissed claims that some party officials were plotting to pitch Governor Yusuf against Senator Kwankwaso, insisting that no such move had been made.
Reacting to the situation, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature, confirmed that disagreements exist within the party but declined to comment on the alleged defection.
“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements. However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time,” he said, adding that the matter was being handled internally.
Dungurawa urged residents of Kano State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, warning party members against associating with documents allegedly being circulated by what he described as mischief makers.
The unfolding crisis is expected to have significant implications for Kano’s political landscape as political realignments ahead of future elections continue to take shape.
