Kwankwaso loyalists, Governor’s camp at odds over alleged defection
kano state politics faces renewed tension following reports that governor abba yusu may defect from the new nigeria peoples party (nnpp) to the all progressives congress (apc), a move opposed by the party’s leadership and its national leader, senator rabiu kwankwaso.
the reports have highlighted divisions within the nnpp, particularly between supporters of the governor and loyalists of the kwankwasiyya movement founded by senator kwankwaso.
in a statement representing both the kano state and national nnpp, the party emphasized that it is fully aware of the situation and does not endorse any defection.
“we are aware of developments in kano state concerning individuals who may be considering defection to the apc,” said nnpp kano state chairman, hon. hashim suleiman dungurawa. “the kano state party, the national party, and our national leader, senator rabiu musa kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not support these actions.”
dungurawa stated that the party has made several efforts to encourage those involved to remain patient and continue their commitment to the nnpp in the interest of kano residents.
“we have done everything within our capacity to persuade them to remain within the party for the benefit of both the individuals and the people of kano,” he said.
he further appealed to the governor and others allegedly considering defection to reconsider.
“on behalf of all of us, we appeal to them, for the sake of allah and the prophet, not to leave this party and not to join a party that we have consistently opposed and which has been rejected by the electorate,” dungurawa added.
the NNPP chairman also refuted claims that party officials had sought to position the governor against senator kwankwaso.
“we have never acted against our leader, and anyone with evidence to the contrary should present it,” he said.
he called on residents of kano to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, advising party members not to engage with documents allegedly circulated by “mischief makers.”
sanusi bature, director general of media and publicity for the nnpp, acknowledged that there are internal disagreements within the party but declined to comment directly on the reported defection.
“while we are aware of issues within the party, i cannot speak on matters relating to defection at this time,” bature said, adding that the party leadership is handling the situation internally and urging the public to avoid speculation.
dungurawa concluded by urging the people of kano state and nigerians at large to continue supporting the nnpp and its national leader, senator rabiu musa kwankwaso, ahead of forthcoming political engagements.
the situation is expected to have significant implications for kano’s political landscape as party alignments evolve ahead of upcoming elections.