Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has moved to shut down reports suggesting he has endorsed a possible defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The clarification comes amid growing speculation in Kano political circles that Yusuf is preparing to leave the NNPP. This development has heightened tensions within the party and fuelled claims that Kwankwaso had softened his long-held opposition to defections.
On Tuesday night, reports circulated that the former Kano governor had reversed his stance and given tacit approval for Yusuf and other NNPP members to join the APC.
Kwankwaso’s camp dismissed the reports outright.
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In a statement issued by Saifullahi Hassan, his media aide, the NNPP leader said he had not endorsed, supported or encouraged any move by Yusuf to defect, insisting that both he and the governor remain bound by the party’s mandate.
The statement emphasised that Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains obligated to the party and the electorate, noting that any suggestion of Kwankwaso’s approval was a misrepresentation.
The NNPP’s national leadership also weighed in, accusing those behind the reports of attempting to cloak a potential defection with Kwankwaso’s political authority.
Ladipo Johnson, the party’s spokesperson, said claims that Kwankwaso had given his blessing were deliberately crafted to mislead the public and soften backlash from party supporters.
He said party members who wish to leave should do so openly rather than, in his words, “dragging Senator Kwankwaso’s name into their personal political calculations”.
Speculation over Yusuf’s political future has intensified in recent weeks, with heightened security around the Kano Government House and renewed overtures by APC figures adding to rumours of an imminent realignment.
Neither Yusuf nor the APC has publicly confirmed any defection plan.
