The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has denied reports that its National Leader, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party described the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate misrepresentation of Kwankwaso’s position.
Reacting to a report by an online medium, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ladipo Johnson, said in a statement issued late Tuesday in Abuja that the claim was “a wicked lie” and “a blatant falsehood.”
“The NNPP has described the so-called ‘breaking news’ that Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso has suddenly reversed his well-known position and endorsed the defection of the Governor of Kano State from the NNPP to the APC as a wicked lie and a shameful, blatant falsehood,” Johnson said.
He said the report was an attempt by some unnamed political actors to twist Kwankwaso’s words to justify an impending defection from the party.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s position on the matter has remained clear and unchanged, adding that the controversy exposed the desperation of those allegedly plotting to leave the NNPP.
“It has become clear that those seeking to defect have no self-worth if they feel they must misinform the public about Kwankwaso’s position.
“Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses into believing that he has endorsed their move is as childish as it is dishonest,” Johnson said.
The party spokesman challenged Gov. Yusuf and his supporters to leave the NNPP openly, if that was their intention, without invoking Kwankwaso’s name.
“We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party if they choose to go. If you believe you are heading to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go.
“Do not attempt to deceive the public into thinking you have the support or blessings of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he added.
Johnson further said that Kwankwaso had described the reported plan by the governor and some members of the Kwankwasiyya movement to defect as “a cold betrayal of trust and the mandate freely given and defended by the people of Kano State.”
He said the former Kano State governor was more interested in calming political tension in the state than engaging in political brinkmanship.
“He wants to diffuse the current political tension in the state and has stated that those being arm-twisted and forced into defection should feel free to go.
“By God’s grace, the elections of 2027 will come and go, leaving those who chose the path of betrayal with the verdict of the good people of Kano,” the statement said.
The NNPP’s denial comes amid heightened political tension in Kano State, following speculations over Gov. Yusuf’s possible defection, with reports of increased security presence around the Government House and major access roads in the state capital.
The party insisted that Kwankwaso’s recent remarks, allegedly cited in the report, were misrepresented and did not amount to an endorsement of Gov. Yusuf’s rumoured defection or a blessing for the dismantling of the NNPP’s structure in Kano.
