The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, does not require the endorsement of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain in the party.
Naijaonpoint reports that the party made this known in a statement on Monday amid rising tensions over Yusuf’s political future and reported defection plans.
Addressing the issue, Mr Ogini Olaposi, NNPP’s National Secretary, stated that the governor, who is the party’s sole sitting governor and leader, is at liberty to make his own political decisions.
Olaposi said, “Whilst we advise the governor to remain in the NNPP, we also understand that it is within his constitutional rights to join any party of his choice due to escalating legal battles.
“If the governor had made up his mind to leave the NNPP, no dictatorial tendencies and blackmail could stop him.”
He further stressed that the NNPP holds no animosity towards any political party, including the ruling APC.
The party’s reaction follows a statement issued by Mr Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson to Senator Kwankwaso, on Sunday. Johnson described as false a viral report claiming that Kwankwaso had reversed his stance and endorsed Governor Yusuf’s defection.
He alleged that individuals within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement pushing for a defection were behind the misinformation.
“Those seeking to move from the NNPP were responsible for misinforming the people on Kwankwaso’s stand,” Johnson said.
However, the NNPP urged the former presidential candidate to refrain from interfering in the governor’s decisions and allow him to focus on governance.
Olaposi added, “What Kwankwaso has failed to tell us is if his stand on the governor’s alleged planned defection is out of godfatherism or if he has personal issues against the ruling party.
“Whatever misgiving he has against the APC should remain personal and should not be forced on others wishing to join the party.”
Responding to Johnson’s claim that Kwankwaso described the move as a betrayal, the NNPP said it was ironic, noting that the former minister had once attempted to hijack the party’s structure.
“Kwankwaso and his group now know how betrayal feels, when he tried to hijack a party that gave him a platform to contest election for free in 2023,” the statement read.
The party concluded by reaffirming support for Governor Yusuf, while still urging him to reconsider his position.
The party stated, “We will remain in support of the Kano State governor and any decision he takes but still advise and encourage him to have a rethink and remain with the NNPP.
“Kwankwaso remains expelled from the NNPP for the good of the party and members.”