“I Did Not Approve Abba Yusuf’s Defection to APC” — Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has denied approving or endorsing any move by Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speculation has grown in recent days that Yusuf is finalising plans to leave the NNPP for the APC. On Tuesday night, some reports claimed that Kwankwaso, who had previously opposed such a move, had changed his position and given his backing.

The claim was rejected in a statement issued by Saifullahi Hassan, Kwankwaso’s media aide. He described the reports as false and misleading, stressing that Kwankwaso remains committed to the NNPP’s principles and direction.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with a duty to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people,” the statement said.

Hassan added that Kwankwaso had at no time endorsed or approved any alleged plan by Yusuf to join the APC, urging the public and the media to rely on verified information.

The NNPP also dismissed the reports through its national spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, who accused unnamed individuals of twisting facts to mislead the public.

Johnson said anyone planning to leave the party should do so without falsely attributing their decision to Kwankwaso.

“If you believe you are headed for a better political future, then go,” he said. “Do not attempt to deceive the public by claiming the support or blessing of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”

He added that party members who abandon the NNPP would face rejection by voters in the 2027 general elections.