Just In: NNPP Clears Air on Alleged Kwankwaso Endorsement of Kano Governor’s Defection to APC.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline, 14 January 2026.
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Kano — The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, endorsed the alleged defection of the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such claims as false, mischievous and deliberately misleading.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, January 13, and made available to Democracy Newsline, the NNPP accused what it described as “political desperados” of attempting to distort a clear and unambiguous message recently delivered by Senator Kwankwaso, with the aim of sowing confusion within the party and the wider Kano political landscape.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Spokesperson, Mr. Ladipo Johnson, was a reaction to a media report—since reportedly recanted—which claimed that Kwankwaso had made a sudden political U-turn by endorsing the defection of Governor Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Johnson, the report was not only inaccurate but also a gross misrepresentation of Kwankwaso’s long-standing political position and values.
“The claim that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso endorsed the defection of the Kano State Governor from the NNPP to the APC is as wicked as it is false,” the statement read. “It is a shameful and blatant lie by individuals who clearly have no moral compass and are completely devoid of scruples.”
Johnson explained that a video message released by Kwankwaso on Tuesday afternoon, January 13, had been deliberately taken out of context by political actors bent on exploiting the current atmosphere of tension in Kano State.
He said the intent of the message was to de-escalate political pressure and reassure party supporters who, according to him, were being harassed, coerced or unduly influenced to abandon the NNPP.
“The national leader merely emphasised that anyone being pressured to defect should feel free to make a personal choice, without fear or intimidation,” Johnson clarified. “At no point did he endorse, approve or encourage the defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf or any other NNPP member to the APC or any party.”
The NNPP spokesperson also took a swipe at party members contemplating defection, accusing some of lacking conviction and political integrity.
“We would appreciate it if those who believe they are headed to greener pastures would simply move on,” he said. “If you truly have the support of the masses, then go with dignity. Do not attempt to deceive the public by claiming you have the blessings or support of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso when you clearly do not.”
Johnson added that the NNPP remains confident in its grassroots support across Kano State and warned that political betrayals would not go unnoticed by the electorate.
“When the 2027 elections come and go, those who have chosen the path of betrayal will face the judgment of the good people of Kano,” the statement concluded.
The clarification appears aimed at calming growing speculation within Kano’s political circles, as shifting alliances and rumours of defections continue to dominate discussions ahead of the next electoral cycle.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 14TH 2026)
