By Ayomide Otitoju
National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims that he endorsed the reported defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has grown in recent days that Governor Yusuf is planning to leave the NNPP for the APC, with reports on Tuesday night suggesting that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano and NNPP presidential candidate, had allegedly approved the move.
However, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, described the reports as “false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.” He reaffirmed the NNPP leader’s commitment to the party’s vision and principles.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected 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,” Hassan said. “At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC.”
The NNPP urged the public and media to rely only on verified sources. Hassan added, “Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism.”
In a separate statement, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson strongly refuted the claims, calling them “a shameful, blatant falsehood” and accusing those allegedly planning to defect of twisting Kwankwaso’s words.
Johnson warned that individuals who wish to leave the party should do so independently without falsely claiming Kwankwaso’s support, adding that such actions would be rejected by Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.
