Political tension has risen in Kano State following reports that Governor Abba Yusuf may defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move strongly opposed by the leadership of the NNPP and its national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Channels TV reported that the speculated defection to the ruling party has triggered internal disagreements within the NNPP, particularly between supporters of the governor and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement founded by Kwankwaso. In a press statement issued on behalf of the NNPP at both the Kano State and national levels, the party said it was aware of the unfolding situation and did not support any defection to the APC. The Kano State chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said the partys position was clear. We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC, Dungurawa said. I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening. Dungurawa said the party had made several attempts to persuade those involved to remain within the NNPP, stressing that such efforts were guided by a sense of responsibility to the people of Kano State. We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano, he said. He further appealed to the governor and others allegedly considering defection to reconsider their decision, urging them to remain in the party they helped build. On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected, he added. The NNPP chairman also rejected claims that party officials were attempting to pit Governor Yusuf against Senator Kwankwaso. We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it, he said. Dungurawa urged residents of Kano State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, warning party members against associating themselves with documents allegedly being circulated by what he described as mischief makers. Reacting to the situation, the Director General of Media and Publicity of the Kano State Government, Sanusi Bature, acknowledged that disagreements existed within the party but declined to comment on the reported defection. Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements, Bature said. However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time. He added that the NNPP leadership was addressing the matter internally and advised the public to avoid speculation. Dungurawa concluded by calling on Kano residents and Nigerians to continue supporting the NNPP and its leadership as political realignments ahead of future elections continue to shape the states political landscape..
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