Speculation surrounding the political future of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has intensified, following reports suggesting he is finalising plans to defect from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The claims, which circulated widely on Tuesday night, also alleged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former Kano governor and the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, had softened his stance and quietly endorsed such a move.

However, the NNPP leadership has moved swiftly to shut down the narrative, describing the reports as unfounded, misleading, and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, rejected the speculation in clear terms, insisting that neither Kwankwaso nor Governor Yusuf has taken steps toward abandoning the party.

“We wish to state unequivocally that this report is false, misleading, and entirely without factual basis,” Hassan said. “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the ideals, vision, and principles of the New Nigeria People’s Party.”

Party insists Yusuf remains bound by NNPP mandate

Hassan emphasised that Governor Yusuf was elected on the NNPP platform and continues to owe his political mandate to the party and the electorate that supported it during the 2023 governorship election in Kano State.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was elected Governor of Kano State on the platform of the NNPP and remains a member of the party, with an obligation to uphold the mandate freely given to him by the people,” he said.

He further dismissed claims that Kwankwaso had given any form of approval for a defection, describing such assertions as deliberate distortions of reality.

“At no time did Senator Kwankwaso endorse, support, or express approval of any alleged move by Governor Yusuf to the APC. Any report suggesting otherwise is a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and should be treated with utmost scepticism,” the statement added.

The party also urged journalists and the public to exercise caution, warning against the spread of unverified political rumours, particularly at a time of heightened political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We therefore urge members of the public, party supporters, and the media to disregard this misinformation and rely only on verified and credible sources for accurate information,” Hassan said.

NNPP spokesperson describes claims as deliberate falsehood

In a separate reaction, NNPP national spokesperson Ladipo Johnson also strongly refuted the defection reports, using unusually blunt language to underscore the party’s anger over what it sees as a calculated attempt to sow confusion.

“This is as wicked a lie as it is clearly a shameful, blatant falsehood by those who obviously have no moral compass and are completely devoid of any scruples,” Johnson said.

According to him, unnamed political actors were deliberately twisting Kwankwaso’s past comments to give the impression that he had endorsed an imminent defection.

“Deliberately and mischievously twisting his words to fool the masses that he has endorsed their impending move is as pitifully childish as it can get,” Johnson said.

He added that anyone genuinely interested in leaving the NNPP should do so openly, rather than attempting to cloak their decision in claims of Kwankwaso’s support.

“We would appreciate it if these people would simply move out of the party, if they choose to go. If you feel that you are going to greener pastures and have the support of the masses, then go,” he said.

“Do not attempt to fool the masses that you have the support or blessings of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Johnson warned.

He also suggested that politicians who defect without popular backing would face consequences at the polls, arguing that voters would ultimately reject what he described as betrayal of the party’s platform in the 2027 elections.

Background to the defection rumours

The speculation around Governor Yusuf’s political future comes amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape, where defections between major parties often intensify in the mid-term of an administration.

Governor Yusuf, a close ally of Kwankwaso, won the Kano governorship election in 2023 under the NNPP banner, ending the APC’s hold on the state after a fiercely contested race. His victory was widely seen as a testament to Kwankwaso’s enduring influence in Kano politics, built over decades through the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Since taking office, Yusuf has faced legal and political pressure, including court battles challenging his election and criticism from opposition figures within the state. Analysts note that such pressures often fuel defection rumours, even when there is little concrete evidence to support them.

According to reports, the latest claims gained traction after political meetings involving APC figures in Kano were interpreted by some observers as signs of a looming crossover. However, no official statement from Governor Yusuf or documented action has supported that interpretation.

Why the issue matters now

The NNPP’s forceful response highlights the strategic importance of Kano State, one of Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential states. Any shift in allegiance by its governor would have significant implications for party strength ahead of the next election cycle.

For the APC, regaining Kano would represent a major political victory. For the NNPP, retaining the state is central to sustaining its relevance as a national political force beyond the 2023 elections.

Political analysts say the swift denials from Kwankwaso’s camp suggest an awareness of how damaging prolonged speculation could be, both to party unity and to public confidence in the governor’s leadership.

According to Abuja-based political analyst Sadiq Lawal, unverified defection stories often serve as tools of pressure rather than reflections of actual plans.

“In Nigerian politics, rumours of defection are sometimes floated to test public reaction or weaken a sitting governor’s standing,” Lawal said. “The strong language used by the NNPP suggests they want to shut this down early before it gathers momentum.”

Silence from the governor

As of the time of filing this report, Governor Yusuf has not publicly commented on the defection rumours. His silence has, however, done little to calm speculation, particularly on social media, where political narratives often move faster than official clarifications.

Observers note that a direct statement from the governor could put the issue to rest, at least temporarily. Until then, party officials appear determined to control the narrative and reaffirm their grip on Kano’s political direction.

Attention is now likely to shift to Governor Yusuf’s upcoming public engagements and political appointments, which may offer clues about his long-term strategy. Analysts will also be watching for any overtures from rival parties or internal NNPP meetings aimed at reinforcing party cohesion.

For now, the NNPP insists the matter is settled, even as Nigeria’s fluid political environment ensures that rumours of defection are unlikely to disappear entirely.