The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has firmly rejected reports suggesting that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal of the mandate given by the people of the state.
Speaking during a radio broadcast on Monday, the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Dungurawa, said neither the party’s national leadership nor its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has approved or endorsed any plan for the governor to leave the party.
According to Dungurawa, Kano voters overwhelmingly chose the NNPP in the 2023 general elections, and it would be improper for the party’s elected officials to abandon the platform that brought them to power.
“It is a betrayal of the people of Kano who voted for this party. You cannot defeat a party at the polls and later turn around to join the same party,” he said.
Speculation about Governor Yusuf’s possible defection intensified after reports emerged that some NNPP stakeholders, including Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of the Protocol Directorate at the Kano Government House, had begun consultations with the APC.
Rogo claimed that NNPP leaders in Rogo Local Government Area had resolved that Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso should lead the movement back to the APC, arguing that Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition would be better served on the APC platform.
However, Dungurawa dismissed these claims, stressing that the NNPP leadership at both state and national levels remains united and loyal to Kwankwaso.
“The Kano State chapter, the national leadership, and our leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, do not approve of these moves,” he said.
The NNPP chairman said the party is engaging members who may be considering defection, urging them to respect the electorate’s mandate and focus on governance. He outlined the party’s priorities, including improving education, revitalising agriculture and commerce, and providing relief for vulnerable citizens in Kano State.
Dungurawa also debunked rumours alleging that he and other top party officials were working to create a rift between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
“We have never turned anyone against our leader. Anyone with evidence should present it,” he challenged.
The controversy highlights growing internal tensions within the NNPP, the only state currently governed by the party. It also reflects a broader national trend, as several opposition governors are rumoured—or confirmed—to be defecting to the APC, raising concerns among analysts about Nigeria drifting toward a one-party dominance.
Dungurawa urged the public to ignore rumours, remain law-abiding, and warned party members against signing documents or petitions allegedly being circulated to destabilise the NNPP.
