Kwankwaso Denies Endorsing Governor Abba Yusuf’s Alleged Defection to APC, NNPP Slams ‘Malicious Falsehood’

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has firmly denied reports claiming that he endorsed the rumoured defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The denial comes amid intense political speculation and rising tension within Kano’s political landscape, following unverified media reports suggesting that the governor was finalising plans to dump the NNPP for the APC.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night, Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, described the reports as entirely false, misleading, and lacking any factual foundation. According to the statement, Senator Kwankwaso remains unwavering in his commitment to the ideals, vision, and principles upon which the NNPP was founded. He stressed that at no point did he endorse, support, or approve any move by Governor Yusuf to defect to the APC.

The statement further emphasised that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected on the platform of the NNPP and therefore has a moral and political obligation to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people of Kano State. Any suggestion that Kwankwaso had suddenly reversed his long-held opposition to defection, particularly to the APC, was described as a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at misleading the public and creating unnecessary political confusion.

Kwankwaso’s camp urged Nigerians, party supporters, and members of the media to disregard what it called misinformation and to rely solely on verified and credible sources for accurate updates on political developments. The statement was seen as an attempt to douse growing speculation that threatened to fracture the NNPP and weaken its influence in Kano State, where the Kwankwasiyya movement enjoys deep grassroots support.

In a separate and more strongly worded statement, the NNPP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also dismissed the reports, describing them as “a wicked lie” and a “shameful blatant falsehood.” Issued from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the statement accused unnamed political actors of fraudulently misrepresenting Senator Kwankwaso’s clear and unambiguous position for selfish political ends.

Johnson alleged that those spreading the reports lacked self-worth and moral scruples, arguing that deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s words to suggest he had blessed an impending defection was childish and deceptive. He maintained that if any NNPP members wished to leave the party, they should do so openly rather than attempting to falsely claim the endorsement or blessings of the party’s national leader.

The NNPP spokesperson went further to describe any planned defection by Governor Yusuf and other members of the Kwankwasiyya movement as a cold betrayal of trust and the mandate given by the people of Kano State. According to him, Kwankwaso’s primary concern remains the need to diffuse political tension in the state, even as he insists that those who feel pressured or arm-twisted into defecting should feel free to go.

Johnson concluded by warning that the 2027 general elections would ultimately serve as the true test of political loyalty and integrity. He expressed confidence that the people of Kano would remember and judge those who chose what he described as the path of betrayal when the time comes.

Meanwhile, the controversy has continued to generate heated reactions among political observers and party supporters, with social media and online forums awash with accusations, counter-accusations, and conspiracy theories. While some critics questioned the timing and sincerity of the denials, others argued that the alleged defection was part of a broader strategy of political realignment ahead of 2027.

Despite the noise, both Kwankwaso and the NNPP leadership have made it clear that, as of now, there is no endorsement of any defection to the APC, reaffirming their stance that the party’s mandate and internal unity must be respected above all else.