NNPP Crisis: Hanga Condemns Alleged Defection Plot by Governor Yusuf, sends warning

The internal crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, has intensified following strong remarks by Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, who represents Kano Central, over reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking in Hausa on Monday, Hanga described the alleged plan as a grave act of betrayal, warning that the people of Kano have historically rejected leaders who turn against those responsible for their rise to power. He cautioned that individuals encouraging the governor to join the APC do not have his best interests at heart.

According to the senator, those openly calling on Governor Yusuf to defect are misleading him and pushing him towards political self-destruction. He argued that genuine allies would not advise the governor to abandon the people of Kano, the North, and the country at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the effects of fuel subsidy removal and new tax reforms.

Hanga further reminded the governor of his long-standing political ties with the national leader of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that Yusuf’s political career was nurtured under Kwankwaso’s mentorship. He said true loyalty demands gratitude, not political abandonment.

He warned that any move to defect to the APC would be poorly received by Kano voters, whom he described as people who place a high premium on loyalty and integrity. Dismissing reports that Kwankwaso might secretly support such a move, Hanga labelled the claims as mere political drama.

The lawmaker stressed that betrayal does not earn public admiration in Kano, noting that the electorate sympathises with the betrayed, not the betrayer. He said that if given the opportunity, he would personally advise Governor Yusuf to discipline those urging him to turn against Kwankwaso.

Reaffirming his own political stance, Hanga declared unwavering loyalty to Kwankwaso, insisting that no elected official acting rationally would consider defecting to the APC under the current political climate.

His remarks came only hours after the Kano State chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Dungurawa, publicly appealed to Governor Yusuf to remain in the party, admitting that sustaining unity within the NNPP has become increasingly challenging amid the ongoing internal tensions.