Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he will “laugh last” amid the growing defection crisis between him and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who is set to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Yusuf, who was elected on the platform of the NNPP under Kwankwaso’s political structure, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has reportedly concluded plans to defect to the APC. However, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, has openly opposed the move, insisting that Yusuf should relinquish his governorship position if he chooses to defect.
The disagreement has sharply polarised the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, deepening internal cracks within the party at both state and national levels.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Kwankwaso called on his loyalists to embark on massive grassroots mobilisation across all parts of Kano State, urging them to strengthen the movement in the face of defections.
“This is the most important thing before you as some people are defecting,” Kwankwaso said, while urging supporters to return to their communities and rally the people.
Amid speculations that he may be considering a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso lamented that political opponents have been mocking him, describing him as a “dying politician” because of the current wave of defections.
“I have heard some people mocking me, calling me a child in politics,” he said. “I want to assure them that they will see the work of the child soon when the time comes.”
Kwankwaso further claimed that the Kwankwasiyya Movement continues to gain strength, disclosing that about 21 organisations across Kano State have already aligned with the movement, with more expected to join.
“We have so far received about 21 organisations from across the state, and there are others that are going to join us soon. Therefore, you go back home and receive them,” he told his supporters.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has defended his planned defection, insisting that it is his political right and a decision reached after consultations with the electorate and party stakeholders.
After returning to Kano from his birthday celebration in Abuja, Yusuf is expected to formally register and obtain his APC membership card. Sources disclosed that he will first meet with key power brokers in the Kano APC, led by former governor and current APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
Ganduje has reportedly extended an official invitation to Yusuf, assuring him of full cooperation within the party.
January 12 has been fixed for the much-anticipated defection ceremony, a move widely seen as a strategic boost for the APC in Kano State. The defection is expected to significantly weaken the NNPP by stripping it of its only governorship seat, potentially reducing its influence and viability as a national party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
