Gov Yusuf Can Join APC Without Kwankwaso’s Approval, Says NNPP

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has clarified that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf does not need former presidential candidate Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s endorsement to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party. The party also affirmed that Yusuf does not require Kwankwaso’s approval to remain in the NNPP.

Yusuf is the NNPP’s sole governor, while Kwankwaso, expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities, was the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate.

The statement follows comments by Kwankwaso’s spokesman, Mr. Ladipo Johnson, who on Sunday night denied that his principal endorsed Yusuf’s defection to the APC, describing reports to that effect as false. Johnson alleged that those planning to leave the NNPP were spreading misinformation about Kwankwaso’s stance.

In response, NNPP National Secretary Mr. Ogini Olaposi, speaking in Lagos on Monday, reiterated that Governor Yusuf, as the party’s sole governor and leader, has the constitutional right to join any party.

“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,” Olaposi said.

“NNPP does not have any misgivings against any political party, including the APC, and so cannot forcefully demand that its governor must remain in the party. If the governor had made up his mind to leave the NNPP, no dictatorial tendencies and blackmail could stop him. Yusuf has been doing well as the governor of Kano State, and we will not be a stumbling block on his path by insisting he remains in the NNPP against his will.”

Olaposi also urged Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya Movement to stop distracting the governor and allow him to continue his work in Kano.

“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,” he added.

Responding to Johnson’s claim that Kwankwaso considered the governor’s potential defection a betrayal of trust, the NNPP said the allegation reflects a reversal of fortunes for the former presidential candidate.

“Kwankwaso and his group now know how betrayal feels, when he tried to hijack a party that gave him a platform to contest elections for free in 2023. 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,” Olaposi concluded.

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