NNPP denies reports of Kwankwaso–APC defection talks, alleges political conspiracy
By KEMI KASUMU
Johnson clarified that the last meeting between Kwankwaso and President Tinubu took place in January 2024 and did not involve discussions about joining the APC. He suggested that those promoting defection rumours were individuals who later moved to the ruling party themselves.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected reports claiming that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, held negotiations to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reports as false and part of a coordinated attempt to discredit him.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP said Kwankwaso never entered into discussions with the APC or President Bola Tinubu regarding a possible defection.
Johnson dismissed claims that the former Kano State governor made “high demands” during alleged talks with the APC, insisting that no such negotiations ever took place. He described recent media reports on the matter as “blatant lies” and “a campaign of calumny” aimed at tarnishing Kwankwaso’s reputation.
“It is regrettable that such falsehoods, often presented by individuals claiming authority, are being published as lead stories in major newspapers,” Johnson said. “We state categorically that at no time did Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso meet with President Bola Tinubu or any of his proxies, within or outside the APC, to discuss defection.”
The NNPP’s response follows reports that tensions arose between the APC and Kwankwaso after the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, defected to the ruling party. Some commentators alleged that Kwankwaso misjudged his political influence during supposed negotiations.
On Friday, Baba Yusuf, Group Chief Executive Officer of Global Investment and Trade Company, said during an interview on Arise TV that Kwankwaso had “overreached” in reported talks with the APC. The NNPP, however, dismissed the remarks as unfounded.
Johnson clarified that the last meeting between Kwankwaso and President Tinubu took place in January 2024 and did not involve discussions about joining the APC. He suggested that those promoting defection rumours were individuals who later moved to the ruling party themselves.
According to the NNPP, the reports reflect a broader conspiracy by political elites to undermine Kwankwaso’s standing and preempt his future political alliances. Johnson also rejected descriptions of Kwankwaso as a “local champion,” saying time would prove his national relevance.
He added that Kwankwaso’s political base, particularly among grassroots supporters, remains intact and unaffected by what he called “elitist narratives” in sections of the media.
The NNPP urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting defection talks, maintaining that they are misleading and politically motivated.
