Kwankwaso Never Discussed Defection With APC — NNPP
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denied reports claiming that its national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, held talks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) over a possible defection.
The party described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that Kwankwaso never entered into negotiations with President Bola Tinubu or any APC leaders regarding a move to the ruling party.
Speculation about Kwankwaso’s alleged defection surfaced following political developments in Kano State, including claims that the NNPP was divided over what some commentators described as “excessive demands” allegedly made by the former governor in talks with the APC.
Fueling the reports, a business executive, Baba Yusuf, during an interview on a television programme, alleged that Kwankwaso had overestimated his political influence in purported discussions with the ruling party.
However, reacting to the allegations, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, firmly dismissed the claims, stressing that no such talks ever took place.
According to Johnson, Kwankwaso has never contemplated leaving the NNPP for the APC, describing the reports as a deliberate attempt to damage his political reputation.
“It is completely untrue that Senator Kwankwaso made demands or negotiated with the APC or President Tinubu for defection. That never happened,” Johnson said.
He added that the last known meeting between Kwankwaso and the President took place in 2024 and had no connection whatsoever to party defection.
Johnson further accused those behind the reports of attempting to weaken the opposition by spreading false narratives about Kwankwaso’s political intentions.
“Kwankwaso is a politician of integrity who understands his political direction and remains committed to the ideals of the NNPP and the interests of Nigerians,” he stated.
The NNPP reiterated its unity and dismissed suggestions of internal crisis linked to defection rumours, assuring supporters that the party remains focused on strengthening its opposition role ahead of future elections.
