The leadership of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has publicly appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to remain within the party and resist any move to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The plea was delivered by the State Party Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Dungurawa, during a press conference held in Kano on Monday, aiming to quell rising political tensions and widespread speculation about the governor’s potential crossover.
Chairman Dungurawa categorically dismissed rumors of a rift between Governor Yusuf and the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing such narratives as the work of “mischief makers.” He urged party members and the public to disregard documents being circulated to fuel discord.
“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 and which the masses and other voters have rejected,” Dungurawa stated.
He emphasized that the proposed defection lacks the endorsement of the party’s structure. “I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening,” he added.
The appeal directly counters claims made last week by the Director-General of the Protocol Directorate of Kano State Government House, Abdullahi Rogo. Rogo had asserted that citizens and voters in the state were in agreement that both Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf should join the APC.
Amid the brewing political storm, the NNPP chairman called for calm among Kano residents, advising them to continue with their lawful daily activities. He concluded with a stern warning to party members against legitimizing any unauthorized defection plans.
The public appeal underscores a significant internal effort to maintain cohesion within the NNPP, which currently controls the Kano governorship, amidst intense political maneuvering ahead of future electoral cycles.