NNPP dismisses APC defection rumours in Kano

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State has firmly rejected claims that its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, or the party’s leadership structure is planning a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such reports as misleading and destabilising.

Party leaders said the speculation has created unnecessary tension within the NNPP, even as they acknowledged that a handful of members are contemplating leaving the party amid ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections.

Addressing journalists, the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, maintained that Kwankwaso remains committed to the party and has not endorsed any defection at either the state or national level.

According to Dungurawa, the party leadership has been engaging aggrieved members, urging them to exercise patience and remain loyal rather than cross over to the ruling APC.

He stressed that these efforts were driven by responsibility to party supporters and the wider electorate in Kano.

“Our position is clear. The NNPP leadership at all levels, including our national leader, does not support any defection to the APC,” Dungurawa said.

“We have appealed repeatedly to those involved to reconsider their actions and stay with the movement they helped to build.”

However, the NNPP chairman declined to directly respond to growing reports that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside commissioners, local government chairmen, and other senior party figures, may be close to joining the APC.

Political sources in Kano have alleged that the governor is in talks with President Bola Tinubu and could defect regardless of Kwankwaso’s stance.

These claims have intensified speculation about a possible shake-up in the state’s political landscape.

Dungurawa warned party members against being drawn into what he described as deliberate attempts to sow discord between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso.

He cautioned that unnamed individuals were circulating documents and rumours designed to fracture the party.

“At this stage, no one should attach their name to any document being shared by mischief makers,” he said. “These rumours are calculated to create confusion and pitch our leaders against each other.”

He concluded by appealing to NNPP supporters, particularly youths and women aligned with the Kwankwasiyya movement, to remain calm and focused, insisting that the party remains united despite internal pressures and external inducements.