Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says he would only consider defecting to another political party if offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso also condemned the planned defection of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as an act of betrayal.
The former governor stated this while addressing NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano on Wednesday.
He said that despite his political journey spanning over four decades, his supporters across the country would only accept a defection if it guaranteed him either of the top two positions in the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso disclosed that the APC had invited him to join the party, but he declined due to what he described as the absence of a concrete offer that would benefit him and his followers.
“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,” he said.
Kwankwaso reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to its political ideology, Kwankwasiyya, which he said focuses on supporting the poor and youths through employment, education, economic prosperity, improved healthcare 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.
Commenting on Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC, Kwankwaso said he was surprised and disappointed, adding that the governor neither consulted him nor gave any clear reason for the decision.
“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.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and prayerful.
“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,” he said.
