Political tension has returned to Kano State following reports of Governor Abba Yusuf planning to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has reignited debate on the strength of Rabiyu Musa Kwankwaso's political influence and the future of the Kwankwasia movement. In this exclusive interview with iniobong ewok, ladipo johnson The lawyer and National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP rejected claims that the governor's alleged move could weaken the party or fracture its internal structure, insisting that Kwankwaso's grassroots appeal in Kano remains intact and resilient.
He also speaks on the party's preparations for the 2027 general election, ongoing consultations with opposition groups, recent defections in the political landscape and concerns over federal tax reforms. Part:
Political tension has erupted in Kano State following reports that Governor Abba Yusuf plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). How do you assess the situation and its implications for Kano politics?
On the contrary, I do not believe that Kwankwaso's influence in Kano will diminish because the governor has defected. I believe a lot of people in Kano have probably looked at the scenario and are more admirers of Senator Kwankwaso and Kwankwasia leadership style. As you well know, this is happening for the second time.
This happened when Governor Ganduje turned his back on the Kwankwasia movement, we came back stronger in 2019, although for one reason or the other the courts refused, but in 2023 we won again with no one but from scratch, we had no councillor, local government chairman, member of assembly, representative member or senator. We did not do that but because of the collective action of the people of Kano we won.
I assure you that the collective action of the people has begun as more and more people are coming to consult Kwankwaso on a daily basis and make themselves available to join the Kwankwasia movement and the NNPP, simply because they feel they have been wronged and so I believe we will be stronger, not weaker.
There have been conflicting reports suggesting that Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso supported the alleged defection of Governor Yusuf, which was later denied by statements from your camp. Can you clarify your position on this matter?
The situation in Kano is really tense. However, I believe if you look at the political history of Kano State you will see that there is nothing new here, the state is used to it. Kano's political tension deepens and then subsides, and I believe that “the water will soon find its level” and people will go about their business safely and politics will continue. Everything will be fine in Kano State.
Is the NNPP still experiencing internal factionalism, and what concrete steps is your group taking to resolve the pending issues as the party prepares for the 2027 elections?
The situation is absolutely clear. Kwankwaso has not supported the movement of the governor or any other person for the APC or any party for that matter. What is happening is that we are consulting, we are having meetings, and we are trying to ensure that we build a strong and effective future for NNPP as we move towards 2027, that is what we are doing.
We did not allow ourselves to be distracted by the events going on in Kano. We are still working hard to ensure that we get a strong, vibrant party ready to fight 2027 with existing or new allies. We are really working hard on this and Nigerians should see it soon.
The NNPP has not experienced internal factionalism. What you see and what you hear is that there are some members who have been expelled and their expulsion has been upheld by the courts. They are still going to court so it seems as if they are throwing stones from outside, but we do not have internal factionalism.
Unfortunately I think that is not the case and if the Governor says that there is factionalism and uncertainty within the party then it would be an afterthought. He knows very well that this is not the case and he was at the recent conference. He knows the status of various cases pending in court by those expelled from the party; Followers of Anibonum.
But Governor Yusuf said he was planning to quit as there was a crisis in the party. What is your reaction?
There is no issue of factionalism or doubt about the direction in which matters are going. The only thing I can say, except that if one believes that there is some judicial gymnastics on the way, there should not be any fear, because everything was done in accordance with the party constitution and was overseen by INEC, etc., and INEC is not aware of any other NNPP apart from the NNPP that we run and that we oversee.
If the Governor says there is confusion or factionalism within the NNPP, I refuse to accept it.
There are allegations that the federal government is forcing opposition politicians—especially governors and MPs—to join the ruling party. What is your reaction to these claims?
Well it would be hard for me to confirm that the federal government is forcing governors or members of the legislature to join their party but the way you see or you see some of these governors jumping ship or taking the party to APC is astonishing.
Your guess is as good as mine if you can try to figure out what they are being offered or told. Perhaps this would explain the apparent insensitivity.
What is your assessment of the tax reform policies introduced by the current administration, especially in terms of their impact on ordinary Nigerians and the economy?
Well, the federal government has been hard at work explaining that this new tax regime has nothing to do with the poor, but considering it and making claims, it has become clear that it can indeed affect the poor.
Some things may still be unclear and I don't think it will have any impact on the poor. The government should do something about this.
In recent weeks, there have been notable defections within the opposition, including reports of Peter Obi forming an alliance with the ADC ahead of 2027. What is your view on this development, and is the NNPP or Kwankwaso ready to join any opposition coalition?
Well I am sure members of Peter Obi's movement will feel a little more at ease now that they are aligned with the growing coalition in the ADC.
We have always made our point that we are open to discussion, we are open to aligning and working closely with anyone who we find worthy keeping in mind the platform, manifesto etc., and we are still open to this.
We have not closed our doors, and we are still talking to different people, different groups and we will make sure that as soon as we reach a conclusion, we let Nigerians know.
Amid growing insecurity, the United States recently carried out airstrikes on militant-held areas in northern Nigeria, hinting at further action. What is your position on this foreign military involvement?
Unfortunately, foreign military involvement shows us that the government is not capable of keeping the country safe. It is not able to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. Yes, it is unfortunate that what has happened is that we have interference from outside because we are suffering in the country.
If not we would have been able to defend ourselves and protect ourselves. But I am sure that very soon we will take responsibility for our own security and things will start getting better, especially the security situation and economy in this country.
Finally, how confident are you in the integrity and capacity of the newly appointed INEC Chairman to conduct free, fair and credible general elections in 2027?
I believe the new INEC Chairman deserves the benefit of the doubt. I pray that he succeeds and I pray that he shows the will to do the right thing and succeed in his role as Chairman of INEC.
I pray that the elections will be free and fair and that he will do everything he can to lead from the front, that his officials will also hold on to the points that are so important to help us have free and fair elections.
