NNPP Lambastes Kano Governor's Defection as a "Betrayal of Sacred Trust"

In a sharp rebuke, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denounced the recent resignation and defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, framing it as a profound betrayal of the voters' mandate.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, issued a statement on Friday expressing "profound anguish and deep disappointment." He squarely rejected the governor’s cited reason of an "irredeemable crisis" within the NNPP, dismissing it as a baseless afterthought.

Johnson emphasized that Yusuf was elected based on his longstanding affiliation with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the trust of Kano’s electorate. “He has now chosen to betray that sacred trust,” Johnson stated, warning that the move risks returning the state to political forces opposed to its progress.

Drawing a historical parallel, the NNPP spokesperson referenced the 1980s defection of former Governor Abubakar Rimi from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). He noted that despite Rimi taking a majority of elected officials with him, voters overwhelmingly rejected the move in the subsequent election, leading to his defeat.

While describing the defection as painful, Johnson urged Kano residents and party supporters to remain calm and avoid division. He expressed confidence that the electorate would, as history has shown, judge political disloyalty and remain faithful to principled leadership.

The NNPP’s statement underscores a significant political rupture in one of Nigeria’s key states, setting the stage for a contentious period ahead.