Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said on Tuesday that some party appointees and lawmakers in Kano were under pressure to endorse a planned defection by Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The comments came in a short video posted by his media aide.
Kwankwaso said many supporters “have been unable to sleep at night; some have reportedly been hospitalised, receiving medical treatment, while others are showing signs of severe emotional strain.”
He urged those asked to sign documents saying they would defect to “do so” to avoid victimisation, describing the advice as a move to protect distressed members.
“After consulting closely with my associates… anyone who is asked to sign such documents should do so,” he said.
The comments came amid tight security at the Kano Government House as rumours swirled about Governor Yusuf’s possible move to the APC.
Authorities increased guards at the state secretariat on Monday amid reports of meetings and defections in the state.
But the NNPP later pushed back on reports that Kwankwaso had endorsed the defection.
The party’s national publicity secretary described claims that Kwankwaso backed Governor Yusuf’s move as a “wicked lie” and said the leader had not endorsed any defection.
The dispute has deepened divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement as political realignments gather pace ahead of 2027.
