The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has appealed to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to remain with the party amid growing speculations of a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appeal followed rising political rumours suggesting that Governor Yusuf and some elected officials on the NNPP platform may be considering a move to the APC, which controls the federal government.
Speaking in Kano on behalf of the party leadership and members, the NNPP Chairman in the state, Suleiman Hashim Dungurawa, said the plea reflected the collective position of stakeholders across the state.
“On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed,” Dungurawa said.
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He urged Governor Yusuf and other NNPP officeholders to remember the trust reposed in them by Kano voters during the 2023 general elections, stressing that the party’s mandate was built on shared principles and promises made to the people.
According to Dungurawa, the NNPP leadership is actively engaging in consultations to resolve internal disagreements that may have fueled the defection rumours. He said efforts were ongoing to prevent divisions and protect the party’s unity in Kano.
The NNPP chairman also disclosed that the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside other key stakeholders, remains firmly opposed to any alliance or movement towards the APC.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Reveals Conditions For Dumping NNPP To Rejoining APC
Dungurawa dismissed claims that party leaders were attempting to create tension between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso, describing such allegations as false and misleading.
“We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it,” he added.
He further warned party members and the public to be cautious of documents allegedly circulating online and offline, noting that such materials were the handiwork of individuals bent on destabilising the party.
The NNPP chairman also called on residents of Kano State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, assuring them that steps were being taken to maintain political stability in the state.
READ ALSO: Kwankwaso Speaks On Leaving NNPP Ahead Of 2027 Election
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, acknowledged that internal disagreements exist within the party but declined to comment on defection claims.
“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements,” Bature said. “However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time.”
Governor Yusuf, who won the 2023 governorship election on the NNPP platform, remains the party’s only sitting governor nationwide. His administration has not officially indicated any intention to leave the party, despite persistent claims by rival political groups.
The NNPP said it would continue engagements with its leaders, elected officials, and supporters in Kano State to strengthen unity and protect the party’s political structure ahead of future political contests.