NNPP Slams Defection Rumours, Backs Kwankwaso’s Loyalty

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has firmly denied reports suggesting that its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, engaged in negotiations to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party described such claims as false, misleading, and deliberately aimed at discrediting the former Kano State governor amid ongoing political realignments following recent defections.

The clarification comes in response to widespread speculation triggered by the reported defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the APC, which reignited debates about the future political direction of Kwankwaso and the NNPP.

NNPP Rejects Claims of APC Negotiations

The NNPP has stated unequivocally that Senator Kwankwaso never held discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any APC leadership regarding a possible defection. According to the party, narratives suggesting that Kwankwaso made “high demands” or misjudged his political influence are entirely unfounded.

Speaking on the matter, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, emphasized that the claims circulating in some quarters are fabrications. He explained that while Kwankwaso last met President Tinubu in 2024, the meeting did not involve any conversation about joining the APC or abandoning the NNPP.

Johnson maintained that the reports are part of a coordinated effort to portray Kwankwaso as politically desperate or opportunistic, a description he said does not align with the senator’s political history or conduct.

Controversial Comments and Party’s Response

The controversy intensified following comments by Baba Yusuf, Group Chief Executive Officer of Global Investment and Trade Company, during an interview on Arise TV. Yusuf suggested that Kwankwaso may have “overreached” himself in alleged negotiations with the APC, a remark that gained significant public attention.

However, the NNPP swiftly countered this narrative, insisting that there were no negotiations to misjudge in the first place. Johnson described the claims as “a blatant lie,” stressing that Kwankwaso never contemplated defecting to the ruling party, nor did he present demands to President Tinubu or the APC.

He added that individuals promoting such narratives are intentionally attempting to weaken Kwankwaso’s standing and prevent him from aligning with other opposition figures ahead of future political contests.

Kwankwaso’s Political Stance and NNPP’s Position

According to the NNPP, Senator Kwankwaso remains committed to principled politics and the ideals that informed the formation of the party. Johnson described him as a politician of integrity who prioritizes public interest over personal ambition.

The party reiterated that Kwankwaso’s political decisions are guided by long-term national considerations rather than short-term political convenience. It further affirmed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party remains focused on strengthening its internal structures and opposition collaboration, rather than engaging in speculative defection talks.