Former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has refuted claims suggesting his intention to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released via his official X handle on May 17, 2025, Kwankwaso described the reports as “false, unfounded, and products of political mischief.”
The rumors intensified following the defection of several NNPP lawmakers from Kano State to the APC, including Senator Abdulrahman Kawu and Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. A viral statement, purportedly signed by Ibrahim Rabiu, claimed that Kwankwaso had met with President Bola Tinubu and was being persuaded to return to the APC.
Kwankwaso categorically denied authorizing any such statement, emphasizing that he has refrained from commenting on contemporary political events and will continue to do so. He urged the public to rely solely on information disseminated through his official channels.
In a twist, Ibrahim Rabiu publicly recanted his earlier statement, apologizing to Senator Kwankwaso and describing the post as a “work of the devil.” He admitted that he was never authorized to issue any statement on Kwankwaso’s behalf and promised not to repeat such actions in the future.
The Kano State Government responded by suspending Ibrahim Rabiu, who served as the Special Adviser on Transport to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, over his unauthorized comments. The government emphasized that Rabiu’s remarks did not reflect its official position and warned all political appointees against making statements capable of discrediting the government or its leaders.
Kwankwaso’s firm denial comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various stakeholders reposition themselves within Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.