By Abba Dukawa
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has denied reaching any resolution or agreement with anyone regarding his rumoured defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party.
Reacting to the widely circulated reports claiming he met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu multiple times with the intent of returning to the APC, Kwankwaso described the narrative as a fabrication and a product of political mischief targeted at him.
In a post on his official X handle, @KwankwasoRM, the former Kano State Governor categorically dismissed the alleged defection talks, asserting that he has consistently refrained from commenting on contemporary political events and intends to maintain that stance.
“My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments. I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief,” Kwankwaso wrote.
He further urged the public to rely only on information released through his verified public handles or official sources. “I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being,” he added.
The rumour, which gained traction on social media and blogs, quoted Kwankwaso as confirming meetings with President Tinubu aimed at persuading him to return to the APC. The statement was reportedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabiu.
In a twist to the unfolding controversy, the said Ibrahim Rabiu has come forward to disown the statement. In a public apology, he admitted to issuing the statement without authorization and described his actions as immature and misinformed.
“I, Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his behalf,” he stated.
“I therefore wish to tender a public apology to his person with a promise that such childish act will never be repeated in the future. Please find a space in your heart to forgive me. I was misled by fake news and agents of misinformation.”
The development comes amid growing speculation about realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Kwankwaso’s latest position appears to shut down the rumours, at least for now.
Observers believe that his consistent silence on shifting political dynamics may be a strategic move, while loyalists within the NNPP continue to insist that he remains committed to building the party as a viable alternative to the two dominant political forces in the country.