Defections: I’ll Laugh At Last — Kwankwaso
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared he will “laugh last” amid the brewing defection crisis involving Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Yusuf, originally elected on Kwankwaso’s platform, plans to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to boost development efforts in the state, a move Kwankwaso has rejected, insisting that any defector must relinquish office.
The disagreement has split the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the party’s national umbrella body.
In a viral video, Kwankwaso urged his supporters to return to their local communities and mobilise people to remain loyal to the Movement.
He has reportedly opened a loyalty register to track backing from across the state.
“This is the most important task before you as some people are defecting,” Kwankwaso said.
“I have heard people mocking me, calling me a child in politics, but they will see the work of this child when the time comes.”
He added that 21 organisations from various local government areas have already pledged support, with more expected to join soon.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf, insisting that defection is his political right, returned from Abuja after celebrating his birthday to formally register as an APC member.
He is set to meet key APC leaders in Kano, including former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Ganduje has assured Yusuf of full cooperation.
Yusuf’s official decamping ceremony is scheduled for January 12, a strategic move expected to strengthen the APC in Kano while weakening the NNPP, which risks losing its only governorship seat and seeing its national influence diminished ahead of the 2027 elections.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
