Supporters of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under the banner of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, have called on him and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to lead them into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said the proposed defection was driven by what it described as the best political interest of Kano State and Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition.

Speaking after a strategic meeting in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdullahi Rogo, Director-General of the Protocol Directorate at the Kano Government House, said the decision was unanimously reached by party stakeholders and grassroots leaders in the area.

The meeting, which brought together the council chairman, councillors and NNPP leaders, was presided over by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore.

According to Rogo, the Kwankwasiyya Movement believes that Kwankwaso’s chances of realising his long-held ambition to become President of Nigeria would be better served within the ruling APC.

“We unanimously agreed to appeal to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the national leader of our great movement, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to lead us into the All Progressives Congress,” Rogo said in a video message delivered in Hausa.

“This decision was taken in the overall interest of Kano State’s development and the political future of Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. We strongly believe that his presidential ambition stands a better chance within the APC.”

He added that the group had no intention of abandoning the Kwankwasiyya ideology, insisting that the movement could still thrive under a new political platform if its leaders so decide.

Rogo noted that all NNPP members and Kwankwasiyya supporters in Rogo Local Government endorsed the resolution and were awaiting the direction of Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf.

The development comes months after Kwankwaso criticised politicians who defect after securing political power, a stance that earned him commendation from supporters.

Kwankwaso, a former member of the APC, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following prolonged political disagreements with his successor, Abdullahi Ganduje. He later joined the NNPP ahead of the 2023 general election, with his loyal supporters following him across party lines.