The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) has issued a strong rebuttal against a media report claiming its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, endorsed the speculated defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
NNPP Spokesperson Labels Report as Falsehood
In an official statement released on the night of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and obtained by journalists, the party's national spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, categorically denied the story. Johnson described the report as a creation of "political desperados" aimed at misrepresenting Kwankwaso's clear position.
The NNPP's statement was unequivocal: "This is as wicked a lie as it is clearly a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass and are completely devoid of any scruples." The party accused the report's authors of attempting to sow confusion and distort the message of its leader.
Kwankwaso's Actual Message on Political Pressure
Johnson clarified that a video message from Senator Kwankwaso, released earlier on that same Tuesday, was grossly misinterpreted. He explained that Kwankwaso's intention was to ease political tensions in Kano State and to address supporters who are allegedly facing pressure to switch parties.
The spokesperson emphasised that Kwankwaso's message was one of freedom of choice for pressured supporters, not an endorsement of defection by party leaders. Kwankwaso has consistently opposed any move by NNPP members, including Governor Yusuf, to join the APC, a stance the party says remains unchanged.
Defection Labelled a 'Betrayal of Trust'
The NNPP statement took a hard line against those contemplating leaving the party, particularly Governor Yusuf. It quoted Kwankwaso as describing any planned defection by members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NNPP as "a cold betrayal of trust and of the mandate entrusted to him and defended by the people of Kano State."
Johnson was direct in his message to those considering an exit: "We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party, if they choose to go... Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso." He further accused them of having "no self-worth."
The party warned that when the 2027 elections conclude, "those who chose the path of betrayal will face the judgment of the good people of Kano." This statement underscores the high-stakes political battle brewing in the state ahead of the next general polls.
Loyalists Distance Themselves from Governor
Adding credence to the internal rift, reports indicate that loyalists of Senator Kwankwaso have begun to distance themselves from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This development follows the circulation of rumours regarding the governor's planned move to the APC.
Notably, during a recent state event—a graduation and empowerment ceremony for over 2,260 beneficiaries of various state institutes—key Kwankwaso allies were conspicuously absent. While commissioners, local government chairmen, and other appointees aligned with Governor Yusuf attended, the absence of the core Kwankwasiyya loyalists highlighted the growing divide within the Kano political structure.
