Just In: NNPP Clears Air on Alleged Kwankwaso's Endorsement of Kano Gov's Defection to APC
- Rabiu Kwankwaso's NNPP has denied endorsing the rumoured defection of Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano, to the All Progressives Congress (APC)
- A report emerged that Kwankwaso, who had previously opposed talks of NNPP members, including Yusuf, defecting to the APC, has reversed his position and endorsed their move
- In an official statement obtained by Legit.ng, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP spokesperson, countered the report
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 - The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has accused “political desperados” of attempting to misrepresent a clear and unambiguous message from its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, January 13, and obtained by Legit.ng, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s national spokesperson, criticised a now-recanted media report that claimed Senator Kwankwaso had suddenly reversed his long-held position and endorsed the defection of the Governor of Kano State from the NNPP to the APC.
Source: Facebook
Kwankwaso clarifies defection approval claims
Johnson clarified that in a video released on Tuesday afternoon, January 13, Kwankwaso’s intention was to ease the current political tension in Kano State. He emphasised that supporters who are being pressured or coerced to join the defection wave should feel free to make their own choices.
The NNPP said:
"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."
Johnson criticised those attempting to leave the NNPP, accusing them of having “no self-worth.”
Kwankwaso opposes NNPP members’ imminent defection
The statement reads:
"We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party, if they choose to go. If you feel that you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go. Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso."
Source: UGC
Furthermore, Johnson emphasised that Kwankwaso has described the planned defection by some members of the Kwankwasiyya and the NNPP, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as “a cold betrayal of trust and of the mandate entrusted to him and defended by the people of Kano State.”
The NNPP added that when the 2027 elections come and go, “those who chose the path of betrayal will face the judgment of the good people of Kano.”
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- Kano Emirate tussle: Gov Yusuf presents staff of office to reinstated Emir, photos trend
Kwankwaso loyalists absent at Yusuf's event
Legit.ng earlier reported that as reports of Yusuf’s planned defection from the NNPP to the APC circulate, loyalists of Kwankwaso have reportedly distanced themselves from the governor.
However, several commissioners, local government chairmen, lawmakers, and other political appointees aligned with Yusuf attended a graduation and empowerment ceremony for 2,260 beneficiaries of state-run institutes, including the Film, Poultry, Livestock, Driving, Fisheries, Horticulture, Informatics, and Development Journalism Institutes.
Source: Legit.ng
