Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, called the mass defections of governors and politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “a shame and a pity.”
Johnson claimed the defections’ intentions are unclear in a Channels Television interview last night.
“I think governors will know why they love the president or the APC. Some left the PDP, etc. Not sure it’s about excellent governance or the country. A shame and pity.
However, I hope only the people can decide what happens. Even with 36 states and governors, anything may happen. Not over till it’s over. We’re entering election year; elections are next year,” he remarked.
Johnson’s statements follow a wave of PDP governors and major leaders defections in 2025 and the rumoured defection of Kano State’s only NNPP governor, Abba Yusuf.
Several governors switched parties. Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his deputy, Monday Onyeme, switched from PDP to APC.
Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang is the latest PDP defector to the APC. Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke left the PDP for the Accord Party.
The governor received the 001 card at a ceremony at Jos’ Government House.
South-South states Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Edo have seen defections, but Edo and Cross River already have APC governors.
NNPP Inner Crisis
In early January 2026, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf may defect to the APC, causing an internal crisis for the NNPP.
The National Publicity Secretary addressed Kwankwasiyya defection rumors on the political show.
The governor has not addressed the National Working Committee or National Executive Committee. Governor Yusuf attended our convention two weeks ago. But one of his aides stated that Kano residents had voted for Kwankwaso and the governor to join the APC.
Of course, Senator Kwankwaso hasn’t consented to such, hasn’t told anyone, and hasn’t allowed anyone in his group to join the APC or any party. The state’s events have troubled us because we’re a big, joyful family. The situation is unfortunate, Johnson added.
He warned that joining the APC would not ensure political success and that the difficulties should not have arisen with the general election a year away.
“To their knowledge, they think they made the right choice. What guarantees do they have that Governor Yusuf would obtain the nomination in an APC where Barau, the Deputy Senate President, wants to run and Ganduje’s group also has candidates?
He will join weaker because the Kwankwasiyya movement will not travel with him.
Structure Changes, Legal Issues
The NNPP National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved all Kano State party executive committees, from state to ward, yesterday.
The party’s constitution allows caretaker committees to oversee affairs, according to its National Publicity Secretary.
Governor Yusuf may defect to the APC, which Kwankwaso fiercely opposes.
Kwankwaso publicly cautioned that “betrayal never pays,” stressing that politicians who leave the movement usually lose power.
The conflict escalated after the Kano State High Court upheld the party’s state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa,’s suspension awaiting a suit charging Governor Yusuf’s division and denigration
The NNPP’s legal staff supported Abdullahi Abiya’s appointment as Acting State Chairman.
Due to defections, the NNPP currently has only one Senate member after dominating Kano with its “red cap” ideology.
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