Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: NNPP

  • NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    NNPP Dismisses Rumors of Kwankwaso’s Defection to Ruling Party

    According to Daily Post reporting on February 1st, 2026, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially debunked viral reports claiming that its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is in talks to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party described the rumors as “mischievous fabrications” intended to create disharmony among opposition forces ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

    Reporting by Leadership News confirms that the NNPP leadership held an emergency meeting in Abuja to address the speculation. The party’s spokesperson clarified that Kwankwaso has not met with President Tinubu for political negotiations since 2024. “Our leader remains committed to the NNPP’s ideology and is focused on building a formidable alternative for Nigerians,” the spokesperson said in a direct quote.

    In an update published by The Nation, it was suggested that the rumors were fueled by recent defections of other high-profile opposition members to the APC. However, the paper quoted an NNPP chieftain who insisted: “Kwankwaso is a man of principle; he will not be intimidated or lured into a party that he has consistently criticized for its economic policies.”

    Echotitbits take: This denial is a classic move in the Nigerian political “chess game.” While the NNPP is currently holding its ground, the ongoing realignment of governors—including the rumored exit of Abba Yusuf—suggests that Kwankwaso may soon find himself politically isolated if he doesn’t secure a new alliance.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/kwankwaso-never-discussed-defection-with-apc-nnpp/, February 1, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    APC Strengthens Northern Grip as Kano Governor Formally Joins Ruling Party

    Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has finalized his political transition from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is scheduled to officially register at his Gwale ward on January 26, 2026, a move that signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state.

    State officials have described the move as a “homecoming.” The governor’s camp says the shift will improve coordination between Kano’s government and the federal administration in Abuja. The transition reportedly includes the defection of 22 state lawmakers and 44 local government chairmen, potentially reshaping legislative and administrative alignments across the state.

    While supporters frame the decision as a pathway to accelerated development, critics argue it may narrow political diversity in Kano. Separate reporting has described the defection as further consolidating the APC’s position nationally, with Kano officials also pushing back against narratives that the state’s political future should revolve around any single individual.

    Echotitbits take: This defection effectively collapses the NNPP’s strongest base. Watch for how the Kwankwasiyya movement reacts—this could either lead to a total APC hegemony in Kano or trigger a new, aggressive opposition coalition.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/kano-gov-to-formally-rejoin-apc-monday/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Governor Abba Yusuf Defects from NNPP as Kano Political Crisis Deepens

    Governor Abba Yusuf Defects from NNPP as Kano Political Crisis Deepens

    Daily Post reports that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing what he described as the “best interest of the people of Kano.” The announcement reportedly coincided with a broader political shift that includes the defection of eight House of Representatives members and 21 State Assembly lawmakers.

    The development signals a deepening rift with Yusuf’s political mentor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and points to a wider realignment in Nigeria’s most populous northern state. Sources quoted in the report suggested the move was driven by internal party friction and a strategic calculation to secure stronger federal alignment for state-level projects.

    The Punch and Leadership also corroborated the split and its immediate political implications, including rising tensions ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

    Echotitbits take: The NNPP’s influence in Kano appears structurally weakened by this exit. Watch closely for party-switch litigation over defecting lawmakers’ seats, and for how Kwankwasiyya loyalists respond in the streets and at the courts.
    Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-yusuf-eight-reps-members-44-council-chairmen-others-resign-from-nnpp/ 2026-01-24

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Kano Politics on Edge as Gov. Yusuf Hints at Possible APC Switch

    Per the coverage by Daily Post, Kano State’s political temperature rose after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf addressed rumours of a possible move to the APC, telling supporters he prefers action over talk.

    Yusuf currently governs under the NNPP, and speculation around a defection has triggered reactions among party stakeholders and allies, including those aligned with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    Analysts say any cross-carpeting in Kano could reshape regional alliances ahead of the next election cycle.

    **Echotitbits take:** Kano remains pivotal to northern politics, so any defection would have outsized ripple effects. Watch for signals from the Kano assembly and the Kwankwasiyya base, and whether federal-level political bargaining accelerates.
    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/06/apc-move-gov-yusuf-secures-backing-of-kano-lawmakers-other-stakeholders/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

  • Governor Abba Yusuf Postpones Highly Anticipated Defection to APC

    Governor Abba Yusuf Postpones Highly Anticipated Defection to APC

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the rumored move of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been delayed. Initially expected to take place on Monday, January 5, the official ceremony was reportedly pushed back to allow for further ‘high-level consultations’ between the Governor’s camp and the presidency.

    Speculation about the defection has dominated Kano politics for weeks, following several high-profile meetings between Yusuf and APC leaders. Sources suggest that the delay may be linked to internal friction within the Kano APC chapter, where some leaders are wary of the power shift the Governor’s entry would cause. For now, Yusuf remains the only NNPP governor in the country, though his long-term loyalty remains a subject of intense debate.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and The Nation track the political tension. Vanguard noted that ‘the defection would effectively end the Kwankwasiyya influence in Kano,’ while The Nation quoted an APC senator who congratulated Yusuf on his birthday, calling him a ‘committed democratic leader’—a move seen as a public invitation.

    Echotitbits take: This is ‘delay but not denial.’ In Nigerian politics, a postponed defection usually means the ‘price’ of the move is still being negotiated—specifically, who controls the party structure in the state. If Yusuf moves, it could lead to a total realignment of the North-West political bloc ahead of 2027.
    Source: TheNation – https://thenationonlineng.net/governor-yusufs-planned-defection-to-apc-shifted-to-january-12/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: TheGuardian

  • Governor Yusuf Delays Highly Anticipated Move to APC for Further Consultations

    Governor Yusuf Delays Highly Anticipated Move to APC for Further Consultations

    In an update published by Daily Post, the scheduled defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been postponed. Originally slated for January 5, 2026, the official ceremony is now expected to take place on January 12.

    The delay reportedly stems from the Governor’s desire to hold additional high-level meetings with key stakeholders and state legislators who remain skeptical of the move. Sources suggest that a recent meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja played a pivotal role in the strategic decision to allow more time for internal party alignment.

    Vanguard confirmed the political shift, noting that ‘Kano’s political landscape remains in flux’ as the Governor seeks a smoother transition. Premium Times also reported on the development, stating that the ‘PDP describes Mutfwang’s earlier defection as a betrayal,’ highlighting the growing tension surrounding cross-carpeting governors in the region.

    Echotitbits take: Governor Yusuf is clearly treading carefully to avoid a legislative crisis or a ‘Kankwaso backlash.’ If he successfully moves to the APC, it will effectively consolidate the ruling party’s grip on the North-West ahead of the next election cycle.

    Source: Independent — https://independentpost.ng/29528-2/
    Independent January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Independent