ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly denied reports claiming he endorsed the alleged defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation has intensified in recent days over claims that governor Yusuf is finalising plans to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC, with reports on Tuesday night alleging that Kwankwaso had reversed his earlier opposition to the move and quietly given his approval.
However, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, dismissed the reports as false, misleading, and completely unfounded.
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”
Hassan stressed that governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a member of the party, bound by the mandate freely given to him by the people of Kano State.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people,” he said.
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He further clarified that at no time did Kwankwaso endorse or approve any alleged move by the governor to the APC.
“At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism,” the statement added.
The party also urged members of the public and the media to rely only on verified and credible information, calling on Nigerians to disregard what it described as deliberate misinformation.
“We therefore urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely only on verified and credible sources for accurate information,” Hassan said.
In a separate reaction, NNPP national spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, also strongly refuted the reports, describing them as a shameful and deliberate falsehood.
“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 said.
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He accused individuals allegedly plotting to defect of twisting Kwankwaso’s words to mislead the public and manufacture legitimacy for their actions.
“Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses that he has endorsed their impending move is as pitifully childish as it can get,” he said.
Johnson challenged those who intend to leave the party to do so without attempting to claim Kwankwaso’s backing.
“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,” he stated.
“Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson warned, adding that those who betray the party would be rejected by Nigerians during the 2027 general elections.