The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has affirmed its full support for Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State amid the ongoing political face-off involving the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In a statement released by its National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, the party stressed that as its sole governor and leader, Yusuf deserves the party’s backing to succeed in Kano State.
“Kwankwaso may have played a key role in Yusuf’s rise to power, but as governor, he must be allowed to focus on governance without being hindered by personal political interests,” Major said.
He added that Kano State is critical not only for the 2027 general elections but also for the NNPP, and the party will not allow Kwankwaso or the Kwankwasiya Movement to interfere with the gains made.
“Kwankwaso, who was our 2023 presidential candidate and later expelled for anti-party activities, should not let personal relations with the governor affect governance in Kano or the party Yusuf chooses to join,” Major said.
He described Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms of Yusuf as ironic, noting that the former candidate had previously betrayed the trust of the NNPP and its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.
Major said Kwankwaso’s attempts to control the party after the 2023 elections and his legal actions contributed to mass defections from the NNPP in Kano State.
“We cannot stand by while Kwankwaso undermines the governor through public statements and political pressure,” he said, urging him to follow the example of the ruling APC, which allows President Bola Tinubu to govern without interference.
According to Major, Kwankwaso’s litigations weakened the NNPP’s influence in past elections, limiting its electoral participation in the state.
“Given these circumstances, the governor’s consideration to join the APC is understandable and responsible. Nevertheless, the NNPP believes Yusuf should remain within the party, take responsibility as its leader, and drive it toward greater success,” he concluded.