Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has dismissed reports claiming that he approved or supported the alleged defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has continued to mount over claims that Governor Yusuf is preparing to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC. On Tuesday night, reports circulated suggesting that Kwankwaso—who had previously rejected talks of NNPP members defecting to the APC—had allegedly changed his stance and given his blessing to the move.
However, the claims were firmly rejected by Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, who described the reports as untrue and misleading. He stressed that the former Kano governor remains “fully committed to the values, vision, and guiding principles of the NNPP.”
“We wish to categorically state that these reports are false, misleading, and completely without factual foundation,” the statement said.
Hassan added that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a member of the party, with a responsibility to uphold the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Kano State.
“At no point did Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso endorse, support, or approve any purported move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a distortion of facts and should be treated with caution,” the statement continued.
The public, party supporters, and media organisations were urged to disregard the reports and rely solely on verified and credible information sources.
In a separate reaction, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also dismissed the reports in strong terms, describing them as a blatant and deliberate falsehood.
“This is a wicked lie and a shameful attempt by individuals who clearly lack integrity and scruples,” Johnson stated.
He accused those planning to leave the party of deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s words to mislead the public into believing he had endorsed their decision.
“If anyone believes they are heading to greener pastures and enjoys popular support, they should simply leave. There is no need to deceive the public by claiming to have the backing or blessing of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson said.
He further warned that party members who betray the NNPP would face rejection by Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.
