This marks a sharp reversal for Kwankwaso, who had previously criticized the planned defection, accusing Governor Yusuf and others of abandoning the trust given to them by Kano voters in the 2023 elections. He explained that his change of stance was due to the need to respect party members' political freedom and ease growing tensions within the NNPP in Kano.
Reports indicate that Kwankwaso cited ongoing disputes and pressure within the party as reasons to prioritize unity over continued conflict. In the video, he mentioned receiving troubling news about the state government allegedly forcing officials and local leaders to pledge loyalty to certain factions, calling the actions disappointing and warning of potential backlash from supporters.
Despite his concerns, Kwankwaso advised his followers not to oppose the defection, stating he would not block anyone’s move to the APC. His approval is viewed as a significant advantage for the APC in Kano’s political landscape, while casting doubt on the NNPP’s future influence in the state.
