*NNPP leader refutes claims of endorsing Kano governor’s move to ruling party*
Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has strongly denied reports suggesting he approved Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s alleged defection from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has been mounting that Governor Yusuf of Kano is about to leave the NNPP for the APC. On Tuesday night, some media sources claimed Kwankwaso, who previously opposed defections by NNPP members, had reversed his position and endorsed Yusuf’s move.
However, in a statement issued by Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide, the reports were described as “false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis.” The statement reaffirmed Kwankwaso’s commitment to NNPP’s ideals and declared:
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a committed member of the party. At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse or approve any move by Governor Yusuf to join the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism.”
NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson echoed this stance in a separate statement, condemning the rumours as “wicked lies” and “shameful” fabrications by party members allegedly seeking to mislead the public.
Johnson challenged those considering defection to exit the party openly instead of falsely claiming Kwankwaso’s support. He further warned that betrayers of NNPP would face rejection by Nigerian voters in the 2027 elections.
“We urge all stakeholders and the media to rely only on verified sources for accurate information about the party’s position,” Johnson added.
