NNPP Defection Rumours: Shekarau Speaks on Why Gov Yusuf Cannot be Accused of Betrayal
- Ibrahim Shekarau defends Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf amid defection speculations from the NNPP to the APC
- Shekarau challenges Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's betrayal claims, citing his own political history
- Political realignments are personal choices influenced by circumstances and consultations, according to Shekarau
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Kano, Kano State - Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano, has said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should not be accused of betrayal over speculations surrounding his possible defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Ahead of the 2027 elections, tension has been rising within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya camp following reports of the governor’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), The Guardian noted.
Source: Twitter
Shekarau defends Gov Yusuf’s decisions
In an interview with an online platform, DCL Hausa, Shekarau argued that political realignments are personal decisions guided by circumstances and consultations.
He faulted the recent comment of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that Governor Yusuf should relinquish his mandate before defecting from the NNPP.
According to Shekarau, such a position ignores political precedents set by Kwankwaso himself, who defected with his mandate while serving as governor.
Daily Trust, on Tuesday, January 6, quoted Shekarau as saying:
“I listened to my brother, Kwankwaso’s remarks. To me, Kwankwaso has either forgotten what happened in the past or he thought people have forgotten.
“Has he forgotten that he moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during his tenure as governor without dropping the governorship seat?
“When he was in PDP, he also left with the governorship seat to APC. Why didn’t he drop it for PDP? The way he took PDP’s seat to APC is likely the same way Abba will take the NNPP seat to APC."
Source: Facebook
Kano: NNPP's Yusuf set for APC move
Legit.ng understands that plans are underway for Governor Yusuf to formally leave the NNPP for the APC. The move, initially expected on Monday, January 5, 2026, has now been rescheduled for Monday, January 12.
Sources familiar with the development said the delay is meant to give the governor more time to consult Kano-based federal lawmakers and other influential political figures who have not yet fully endorsed the decision.
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- Photos emerge as Atiku meets ex-Kano governor Ganduje, Kwankwaso, others in Abuja
- Kano includes minimum wage in supplementary budget
2027 election: Kwankwaso warns rivals
Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Kwankwaso warned political rivals who often dismiss the NNPP ahead of the 2027 elections to expect an unexpected outcome in Kano and beyond.
The former presidential candidate stated the party was being wrongly assessed by critics who, in his view, misunderstood the realities of Nigerian politics.
Addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso projected confidence in the party’s electoral prospects. He said repeated attempts to belittle the NNPP had failed to account for its grassroots strength and organisational reach, particularly in Kano state.
Source: Legit.ng
