Political tension has returned to Kano State following reports of Governor Abba Yusuf’s planned defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has reignited debate over the strength of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s political influence and the future of the Kwankwasiyya movement. In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, Ladipo Johnson lawyer and national publicity secretary of the NNPP dismissed claims that the governor’s alleged move could weaken the party or fracture its internal structure, insisting that Kwankwaso’s grassroots appeal in Kano remains intact and resilient.
He also speaks on the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general election, ongoing consultations with opposition groups, recent defections across the political landscape and concerns over federal tax reforms among others. Excerpts:
There has been political tension in Kano State following reports of Governor Abba Yusuf’s planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). How do you assess the situation and its implications for Kano politics?
On the contrary, I do not believe that Kwankwaso’s power of influence in Kano will wane because the Governor has defected. I believe that a lot of the people in Kano have probably looked at the scenario and are more endeared to Senator Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya leadership style. As you well know, this is the second time it is happening.
It happened when Governor Ganduje turned his back on the Kwankwasiyya movement, we came back stronger in 2019 although for some reason or the other the courts refused, but in 2023 we won again not with anyone in position but from scratch as it were, we did not have a councillor, local government chairman, House of Assembly member, Reps member or Senator. We didn’t but we won through the mass action of the people of Kano.
I assure you that the mass action of the people has begun to kick into play as more and more people are turning up on a daily basis to consult with Kwankwaso and to make themselves available to join the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP for that matter just because they feel that he has been wronged and so I believe that we will be stronger and not weaker.
There have been conflicting reports suggesting that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso backed Governor Yusuf-alleged defection, which was later denied by statements from your camp. Can you clarify your position on this matter?
The situation in Kano is indeed tense. However, I believe that if you look through the political history of Kano state you will see that there’s nothing new here, the state is used to this. Kano’s political tension intensifies and then relaxes again, and I believe that “water will find its level” very soon and that people will go about their businesses safely and politics will continue. All will be well in Kano state.
Is the NNPP still experiencing internal factionalisation, and what concrete steps is your group taking to resolve outstanding issues as the party prepares for the 2027 elections?
The position is very clear. Kwankwaso has not endorsed the movement of the Governor or any other person for that matter to the APC or any party. What is happening is that we are in consultations, we are holding meetings, and we are trying to make sure that we build a strong and effective future for the NNPP moving towards 2027, this we are doing.
We haven’t let the events going on in Kano distract us. We are still working hard to make sure that we get a stronger vibrant party which is ready to fight 2027 with either existing or new partners. We are indeed working hard at that and Nigerians should see that very shortly.
The NNPP has not experienced internal factionalization. What you see and what you hear is that there are some members that were expelled and their expulsion has been upheld by the courts. They are still going to court so it is as if they are throwing stones from the outside, but internal factionalization we do not have.
Unfortunately I think that is not the case and it will be an afterthought if the Governor says that there’s factionalization and uncertainty within the party. He knows very well that is not the case and he was at the recent Convention. He knows the state of the various cases in court by those who have been expelled from the party; followers of Aniebonam.
But Governor Yusuf said he was planning to leave because there is a crisis in the party. How do you react?
There is no issue of factionalization or doubt about which way the matters are heading. The only thing I can say is except anyone believes that there’s some judicial gymnastics along the way then there should be no fear whatsoever, because everything was done according to the constitution of the party and witnessed by INEC, etc., and INEC knows of no other NNPP than the NNPP that we run and that we oversee.
I refuse to accept it if the Governor says that there’s confusion or factionalization within the NNPP.
There are allegations that the federal government is coercing opposition politicians— particularly governors and lawmakers to defect to the ruling party. What is your reaction to these claims?
Well it will be difficult for me to confirm that the federal government is coercing Governors or members of the legislature to join their party but it is rather surprising the way and manner you see or you find some of these Governors jumping ship or moving party to the APC.
Your guess is as good as mine if you could try to find out what on earth they are being offered or told. Maybe it would make sense out of the apparent senselessness.
What is your assessment of the tax reform policies introduced by the current administration, especially in terms of their impact on ordinary Nigerians and the economy?
Well the federal government has gone to great pains to try to state that this new tax regime has nothing to do with the poor but in going through it and in making the assertions it has become clear that it might indeed affect the poor.
Some things might still be unclear and I do not think that it will not affect the poor. Government must do something about it.
In recent weeks, there have been notable defections within the opposition, including reports of Peter Obi aligning with the ADC ahead of 2027. What is your view on this development, and is the NNPP or Kwankwaso open to joining any opposition coalition?
Well I am sure that the members of Peter Obi’s movement will be slightly more at ease that they have now aligned with a growing coalition in the ADC.
We have always made our point known that we are open to discussions, we are open to alignments and working together with anyone that we find to be worthy of that, bearing in mind, the platform, the manifesto, etc., and we are still open.
We haven’t shut our doors, and we are still talking to various people, various groups and we will make sure that we let Nigerians know as soon as we’ve come to a conclusion.
Amid rising insecurity, the United States recently carried out airstrikes on terrorist-held areas in northern Nigeria, with indications of further action. What is your position on this foreign military involvement?
Unfortunately the foreign military involvement shows us that the government has not been able to keep the country secure. It hasn’t been able to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. Yes it is unfortunate that it has happened that we had interference from outside because we are suffering in the country.
If not we would have been able to defend and keep ourselves. But I am sure that very soon we will take charge of our defenses by ourselves and things will begin to improve, especially the security situation and the economy in this country.
Finally, how confident are you in the sincerity and capacity of the newly appointed INEC chairman to conduct a free, fair, and credible general election in 2027?
I believe that the new INEC chairman deserves the benefit of the doubt. I pray that he succeeds and pray that he shows the will power to do what is right and to succeed in his role as the Chairman of INEC.
I pray that elections will be free and fair and that he will do everything to lead from the front, so that his officers will also stick to the points that are very necessary to help us deliver free and fair elections.
