Defections rumours trailed former Presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf yesterday.
It was learnt that both party leaders may be set to dump from NNPP for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speculation over the alleged defection had gained momentum on Sunday, following a viral video in which the governor’s director of Protocol, Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, openly declared support for Yusuf’s alleged move to the APC.
Speaking alongside party leaders in Rogo Local Government Area, Rogo said influential figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement in the area had resolved that both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf should defect to the APC.
He argued that the decision was in the best interest of the people and would better position Kwankwaso to realise his long-standing presidential ambition.
“We have resolved that Kwankwaso is our leader, and that he and Governor Yusuf should take us to APC,” Rogo said, while urging supporters to shun abusive politics and remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya ideology despite the planned move.
Similarly, the director-general, Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature, also endorsed the alleged defection in another video, aligning himself with the decision of his Dawakin Tofa Local Government caucus to follow the governor to APC.
At a meeting of NNPP caucuses in Dawakin Tofa, the council chairman, Anas Danmaliki, claimed the Kwankwasiyya movement had split into “pro-masses and anti-masses,” declaring his full support for Governor Yusuf. Sanusi Bature echoed the stance, saying he was “1,000 percent” in agreement.
Governor Yusuf is expected, according to sources, to make a formal announcement in the first week of January, a development likely to reshape Kano’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, the NNPP in Kano has denied reports of an impending mass defection.
State Chairman, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said neither the state nor national leadership had endorsed any move to the APC, stressing the party’s unity and commitment to people-oriented governance.
In a statement he later issued, Dungurawa said the NNPP leadership at both state and national levels, including the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had exhausted efforts to persuade those involved to remain in the party.
Dungurawa said the party was aware of “developments happening in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” stressing that the NNPP leadership does not approve of such moves.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and to the people of Kano State; however, that has become difficult,” he said.
Making a passionate plea, the NNPP chairman urged the individuals concerned to reconsider their decision “for the sake of Allah and the Prophet,” and remain in the party rather than defect to a party the NNPP has consistently opposed.
According to him, the party still hopes that Governor Yusuf and others would stay back to help deliver on governance priorities, including alleviating suffering and improving education, agriculture, commerce and other critical sectors, as enshrined in the NNPP constitution.
Dungurawa also dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that certain NNPP leaders were allegedly pitching Governor Yusuf against Senator Kwankwaso.
He described the allegations as unfounded, insisting that neither he nor other party leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Senator Rufai Hanga and Sanusi Surajo, had worked against the party’s national leader.
“We have never put anyone against our leader. If anyone has evidence, they should present it,” he said.
The NNPP chairman further cautioned party members and the general public against signing any documents being circulated by mischief makers, warning that such actions could be misleading.
He, however, urged residents of Kano State to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to its political ideals.
He therefore called on the people of the state and Nigerians at large to continue supporting the NNPP and Senator Kwankwaso ahead of future elections
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