Rumours of defection have recently emerged regarding the former Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the current Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf. Speculation indicates that both prominent political figures may be preparing to transition from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The alleged defection gained significant traction following a viral video on Sunday, which featured Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, the governor’s Director of Protocol, openly endorsing Governor Yusuf's potential move to the APC. Speaking alongside other party leaders in Rogo Local Government Area, Ibrahim Rogo stated that influential members of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the region had collectively decided that both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf should join the APC. He argued that such a decision would serve the best interests of the populace and better position Kwankwaso to achieve his long-held presidential aspirations. Rogo urged supporters to avoid abusive politics and maintain loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, despite the proposed switch.

Further strengthening these claims, Sanusi Bature, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, also appeared in a separate video, where he endorsed the alleged defection. Bature aligned himself with the decision made by his Dawakin Tofa Local Government caucus to follow the governor to the APC. During a meeting of NNPP caucuses in Dawakin Tofa, the council chairman, Anas Danmaliki, reportedly claimed that the Kwankwasiyya movement had fractured into "pro-masses and anti-masses" factions, expressing his full backing for Governor Yusuf. Sanusi Bature echoed this sentiment, affirming his "1,000 percent" agreement.

Sources suggest that Governor Yusuf is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the defection in the first week of January, a development anticipated to significantly alter Kano's political landscape leading up to the 2027 general elections.

However, the NNPP in Kano has vehemently denied reports of an impending mass defection. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, the State Chairman, asserted that neither the state nor national leadership had sanctioned any move to the APC. He emphasized the party’s unwavering unity and its dedication to governance focused on the welfare of the people. In a subsequent statement, Dungurawa revealed that the NNPP leadership, at both state and national levels, including national leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, had made extensive efforts to convince those contemplating defection to remain within the party.

Dungurawa acknowledged "developments happening in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC," but explicitly stated that the NNPP leadership does not approve of such actions. He expressed the party's attempts to persuade these individuals to be patient and reconsider, citing their responsibility to both the individuals and the people of Kano State, though these efforts proved difficult. In a heartfelt appeal, the NNPP chairman implored the individuals concerned, particularly Governor Yusuf, to reconsider their decision "for the sake of Allah and the Prophet," and to stay with a party that the NNPP has consistently opposed. He reiterated the party's hope that Governor Yusuf and others would remain to help deliver on crucial governance priorities such as poverty alleviation, and improvements in education, agriculture, commerce, and other vital sectors, as outlined in the NNPP constitution.

Furthermore, Dungurawa dismissed claims circulating about certain NNPP leaders allegedly attempting to create a rift between Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso. He categorically described these allegations as unfounded, maintaining that neither he nor other party leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Senator Rufai Hanga, and Sanusi Surajo, had ever acted against the party’s national leader. "We have never put anyone against our leader. If anyone has evidence, they should present it," he challenged.

The NNPP chairman concluded by cautioning party members and the general public against signing any documents circulated by "mischief makers," warning of potential misleading information. He urged Kano State residents to remain calm and carry out their lawful activities, while reaffirming the party’s steadfast commitment to its political ideals. He called upon the people of Kano and all Nigerians to continue their support for the NNPP and Senator Kwankwaso in anticipation of future elections.