By SUNTV Global Channel | January 14, 2026
The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly denied reports suggesting that he endorsed the alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In recent days, political speculation has intensified over claims that Governor Yusuf may be concluding arrangements to dump the NNPP for the ruling APC. The rumours gained further traction on Tuesday night following reports that Kwankwaso had allegedly softened his stance and approved the move.
However, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, has categorically dismissed the reports, describing them as false and misleading.
“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said in a statement released on Wednesday. “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”
He stressed that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and remains a bonafide member of the party.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with a responsibility to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people,” Hassan said.
He added that at no point did Kwankwaso endorse or support any alleged defection to the APC, warning that reports suggesting otherwise were a deliberate distortion of facts.
The party also urged Nigerians and the media to rely only on verified and credible sources, calling on the public to ignore what it described as calculated misinformation.
NNPP Fires Back
Reacting separately, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson also condemned the reports, describing them as a blatant lie aimed at misleading the public.
“This is a wicked and shameful falsehood by people who clearly lack integrity,” Johnson said. “Deliberately twisting Senator Kwankwaso’s words to suggest he has endorsed their impending move is childish and deceptive.”
Johnson challenged anyone planning to leave the party to do so without dragging Kwankwaso’s name into it.
“If you believe you are heading to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go,” he said. “Do not attempt to deceive Nigerians into thinking you have the blessing or backing of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”
He further warned that political betrayal would not go unpunished at the polls, insisting that Nigerians would have the final say in the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has not publicly reacted to the defection rumours.
— SUNTV Global Channel
