Kwankwaso Distances Self from Governor Yusuf’s Alleged Defection To APC

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has denied claims that he supported the alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rumours have been circulating that Governor Yusuf is preparing to leave the NNPP for the APC.

These claims gained more attention on Tuesday night after reports suggested that Kwankwaso had changed his earlier stance and given his approval.

Responding to the reports, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, said the story was completely untrue.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hassan said Kwankwaso remains firmly committed to the NNPP and has not backed any move by the Kano governor to join another party.

“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party,” he said.

Hassan stressed that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and is still a member of the party, with a responsibility to respect the mandate given to him by Kano people.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people,” he said.

He added: “At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism.”

The party also advised the public and the media to rely only on verified and credible information.

“We therefore urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely only on verified and credible sources for accurate information,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson also dismissed the reports, describing them as deliberate lies, accusing those behind the claims of twisting Kwankwaso’s words to mislead the public.

“This is as wicked a lie as it is clearly a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass and are completely devoid of any scruples,” Johnson said.

Johnson said anyone planning to leave the party should do so without trying to drag Kwankwaso’s name into it.

“Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses that he has endorsed their impending move is as pitifully childish as it can get,” he said.

“We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party, if they choose to go. If you feel that you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go.

“Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson warned, adding that those who abandon the party would face rejection from Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Abba Yusuf has not reacted publicly to the rumours surrounding his alleged defection.

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Abba Yusuf recently asked President Bola Tinubu to remove the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, accusing him of boycotting Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.