Kano's political landscape has been rocked by intense speculation over the potential defection of key figures, but the leadership of the Kwankwasiyya Movement has moved decisively to quash the rumours. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the movement's leader and former governor of Kano State, alongside the Kwankwasiyya State Caucus, has issued a strong rejection of claims that he or his group plans to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Official Denial and Communique
The clarification came through an official communique released after an extensive meeting of the movement held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Amana Hall, Kwankwasiyya House on Miller Road in Kano. The resolution was signed by Magaji Mato, who serves as both the national legal adviser of the NNPP and the chairman of the Rano Caucus.
The caucus stated that it unanimously rejected what it termed "unauthorised defection narratives." It emphasized that such calls for defection do not reflect the core ideology or operational culture of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. In the statement, the group explained to its supporters, members, and the general public that there was "no iota of truth" in the rumours, describing them as misleading and unauthorised.
Amidst Governor Yusuf's Rumoured APC Move
This firm denial from Kwankwaso's camp comes at a time of heightened political tension in the state, primarily fueled by persistent rumours that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano is set to defect. Governor Yusuf, the sole NNPP governor in the country and a major ally of Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Kano State chapter of the APC, led by former national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, has openly invited Governor Yusuf to join its fold. Abdullahi Abbas, the state APC chairman, issued a statement on Tuesday, December 30, encouraging the governor to feel free to cross over. This potential defection has already caused visible divisions within the NNPP's ranks.
Kwankwaso's Stance and Broader Speculation
While addressing the rumours surrounding his own political future, Kwankwaso had previously warned against acts of political betrayal, noting that individuals who engage in such behaviour often do not last in the volatile world of politics. Interestingly, the defection rumours have not been limited to the APC. Some reports had suggested that Kwankwaso, who was earlier linked with talks for the vice-presidential ticket with the APC in 2023, might instead be considering a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Kwankwasiyya caucus, in its communique, suggested that those circulating the defection calls might have been misinformed or were acting under pressure. The movement urged its members to refrain from making unauthorised commentaries and to actively counter misinformation in line with the group's discipline. Most importantly, the caucus reaffirmed its political position, declaring that Rabiu Kwankwaso and the entire Kwankwasiyya Movement remain firmly within the NNPP.
