The New Nigeria People’s Party has denied reports that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, endorsed the rumoured defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress, describing the claim as false and misleading. “The NNPP has described the so-called ‘breaking news’ by Premium Times that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has suddenly reversed his well-known position and endorsed the defection of the Governor of Kano State from the NNPP to the APC as a wicked lie and a shameful, blatant falsehood,” the statement read. The party spokesman challenged Yusuf and his loyalists to leave the NNPP openly, if that was their intention, without invoking Kwankwaso’s name. “Do not attempt to deceive the public into thinking you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he added. Although Kwankwaso did not mention the APC by name, he reportedly referred repeatedly to the Gandujiyya movement associated with a former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Source: Punch January 13, 2026 21:11 UTC