The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has pushed back against reports suggesting its national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has endorsed Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s rumoured defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In recent days, speculation has swirled that Yusuf is finalising plans to quit the NNPP for the APC.
The claims intensified on Tuesday night after reports alleged that Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP presidential candidate and a former Kano governor, had dropped his earlier objections and given his blessing.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, dismissed the reports as untrue.
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said in a statement on Wednesday, January 14,
“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”
Hassan also insisted that Yusuf remains in the NNPP and is bound by the mandate he secured on the party’s platform.
“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.”
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The statement urged the public and media to ignore the claim and stick to verified updates.
“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.
NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson also rejected the reports in separate remarks, accusing those promoting them of spreading falsehood.
“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.
He alleged that those planning to leave the party were twisting Kwankwaso’s words to deceive supporters.
“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.
Johnson said anyone determined to defect should simply do so, without claiming Kwankwaso’s backing.
“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,” he said.
“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 betray the party would be rejected by Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Yusuf had not publicly addressed the defection rumours.