Former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has publicly defended the anticipated defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Shekarau dismissed criticisms that the governor is betraying his political mentor, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, arguing that political alignment and realignment are fundamental aspects of democracy.
Shekarau Counters Betrayal Claims, Cites Kwankwaso's History
In a live interview on Tuesday, 7th January 2026, Shekarau tackled those accusing Governor Yusuf of disloyalty to Kwankwaso, the founder of the Kwankwasiyya movement. The former two-term governor insisted that Kwankwaso himself could be accused of similar betrayal, having defected serially to other parties in the past.
Shekarau specifically questioned if Kwankwaso relinquished his mandate when he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC in 2013 while serving as a sitting governor. He argued that Yusuf is at liberty to move from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with or without the support of his Kwankwasiyya followers.
NNPP Chieftain Declares Yusuf as Party Leader, Faults Kwankwaso's Alliance Talks
In a related development, the National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the NNPP, Sani Danmasani, has made a significant declaration. He asserted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and not Rabiu Kwankwaso, is the legitimate leader of the party.
Danmasani explained that the NNPP constitution stipulates that a sitting governor automatically assumes the leadership of the party. He clarified that Kwankwaso, who was the party's presidential candidate in 2023, is no longer officially linked to the NNPP. This is due to the expiration of the Memorandum of Association between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement.
Illegitimate Negotiations Under Party Banner
Danmasani's statement comes amid reports that Kwankwaso has been engaging in political alliance talks for the 2027 elections under the NNPP banner. The party chieftain dismissed these discussions as illegitimate.
"Negotiations for 2027 alliances involving Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya Movement are acceptable only if they are not conducted under the NNPP platform," Danmasani stated.
He emphasized that only Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder and life member of the Board of Trustees, and the National Executive Committee led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert, are authorized to negotiate on behalf of the NNPP. He declared any other arrangements null and void.
The unfolding scenario highlights a major rift within the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya political family, with leadership and the party's future direction at the center of the controversy.
