I Did Not Endorse Alleged Defection of Kano Governor to APC, Kwankwaso 

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

Speculation has been mounting that Governor Yusuf is in the final stages of leaving the NNPP for the APC. On Tuesday night, reports emerged alleging that Kwankwaso—who had consistently opposed any defection of NNPP members to the APC—had reversed his stance and given his approval to the move.

However, Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to the former Kano State governor, described the reports as false and misleading. In a statement, Hassan said Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the NNPP.

He stressed that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a loyal member of the party, with a responsibility to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people of Kano State. Hassan added that at no point did Kwankwaso endorse, support, or approve any alleged defection of Yusuf to the APC, urging the public and the media to disregard the misinformation and rely only on credible sources.

Similarly, NNPP national spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, strongly refuted the reports, describing them as a blatant and shameful falsehood. He accused those behind the claims of deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s words to mislead the public.

Johnson said anyone seeking to leave the party should do so without attempting to falsely attribute their decision to Kwankwaso. He warned that party members who betray the NNPP would face rejection by Nigerians in the 2027 general elections.