Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he would only consider defecting to another party if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso also condemned the planned defection by Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of betrayal.
Speaking to NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano on Wednesday, the former governor said despite his political journey spanning four decades, his supporters nationwide would only accept a defection if it guarantees him the top two positions in the next election.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) had invited him to join the party but he declined due to the “absence of a concrete offer” benefiting him and his followers.
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“We told them that we agree to go with you, but what will you give me? Appointments? How many? Which one among them will fit me, which I will accept? Which one will also fit the national chairman since the national chairman and his executives are important people with values? They didn’t answer any of it,” Kwankwaso said.
He reiterated the NNPP’s commitment to its political ideology, Kwankwasiyya, which prioritises supporting the poor and youth through employment, education, economic prosperity, healthcare improvement, and agricultural development.
“Some are saying it’s just a plan to have options one, two, three, etc. We brought those options then, but this time it’s a national issue, and Kano state must be united so we can win again in the next elections,” he said.
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On Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC, Kwankwaso expressed surprise and disappointment, adding that the governor failed to consult him or provide a clear reason for the move.
“This is a lesson to all of us. We thought everyone had understood. We never expected betrayal. The most painful thing is that after everything we did to rescue Kano from Ganduje and the APC, you have now handed the governorship back to him free of charge,” Kwankwaso said.
“We want to give you an assignment: continue praying for them. Secondly, if any of you are in contact with them, tell them to stop.”
