The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected reports claiming that Rabiu Kwankwaso, its national leader, held negotiations or made demands to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on January 31, Ladipo Johnson, the party’s national publicity secretary, described the claims as “blatant lies” and a deliberate attempt by political elites to discredit Kwankwaso.
Johnson said Kwankwaso never contemplated joining the APC and never met with President Bola Tinubu or any of his representatives to discuss defection.
The NNPP spokesperson said Kwankwaso’s last meeting with Tinubu was in January 2024 and did not involve any discussion on defection.
“It is regrettable that such lies are not only being orchestrated by some individuals, purportedly sounding authoritative, but unfortunately, also published as lead stories in major newspapers,” Johnson said.
“The last time he sat with the President was in January 2024, and there was no discussion about defecting to the APC.
“Those spreading the defection rumours were probably those who wanted to move to the APC, and who have done so now!”
The NNPP spokesperson accused the political elite of conspiring to undermine Kwankwaso through “lies and half-baked opinions” in the media.
He described the campaign as a “hatchet job” aimed at preempting Kwankwaso’s future political moves and preventing alliances that could challenge the current power structure.
He dismissed a recent newspaper report detailing why Kwankwaso’s supposed defection failed, calling it “hogwash” and suggesting it was sponsored to tarnish the former Kano governor’s image.
Johnson said Kwankwaso is a politician of integrity who prioritises public interest, adding that the former governor’s support base, particularly among the common people, remains unshaken by the reports.
“We call on Nigerians to disregard such media orchestrations either as news stories or those peddling the misleading information in their articles and columns,” he said.
