Kwankwaso Denies Endorsing Kano Governor’s Rumoured Defection to APC, Calls Reports “False and Misleading”

National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly debunked widespread reports suggesting he approved the alleged defection plans of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The speculation, which has gained traction in recent days, claimed that Kwankwaso had softened his stance and quietly endorsed the governor’s purported move.

Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, dismissed the reports on Wednesday, insisting they have no basis in fact. He stressed that the NNPP founder remains committed to the party’s vision and principles and has not sanctioned any political shift by the Kano governor.

“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said. “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”

He further clarified that Governor Abba Yusuf remains a loyal member of the NNPP, elected on the party’s platform and bound by the mandate given to him by the people of Kano State. At no point, he said, did Kwankwaso endorse or support any move to the APC. He urged the public to treat such claims with “utmost scepticism.”

The NNPP leadership also appealed to the media and the public to rely solely on verified information. “We therefore urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely only on credible sources for accurate information,” Hassan added.

In a separate statement, the party’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, strongly refuted the reports, describing them as malicious fabrications designed to distort the truth. He accused certain individuals allegedly planning to leave the NNPP of deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s words to justify their actions.

“This is as wicked a lie as it is clearly a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass,” Johnson said. He criticized those attempting to use Kwankwaso’s name to legitimize their defection plans, urging them instead to leave quietly if they believe they have political support elsewhere.

“If you feel you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go,” he said. “Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”

Johnson warned that betraying the party would carry political consequences, insisting that Nigerians would reject such individuals during the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of this report, Governor Abba Yusuf has not issued any public statement addressing the defection rumours.