Politics
NNPP: Kwankwaso Never Negotiated APC Defection – ‘High Demands’ Claims Are Lies and Elite Plot
The New Nigeria Peoples Party has dismissed reports suggesting that the National Leader of the party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, overreached himself in purported negotiations for his defection to the All Progressives Congress.
Responding to the reports, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed the claim that the former Kano State governor entered into any negotiation with the APC.
Ladipo, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, stated that Kwankwaso never got to the stage where he contemplated defecting to the APC.
“It’s regrettable that such lies are not only being orchestrated by some individuals, purportedly sounding authoritative, but unfortunately, also published as lead stories in major newspapers!” Johnson stressed: “We wish to state categorically and for the record that at no time did Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso have any meeting with President Bola Tinubu or any of his proxies either in the APC or otherwise where issues of defection were discussed.”
“Just days ago, a newspaper carried a lead story about the “details” of why Senator Kwankwaso’s “defection” failed, predicated so shamelessly on account of his purported demands before joining the APC. It was all hogwash, as nothing like that ever took place. It could be assumed that the story was sponsored to discredit Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. But they have failed in this monstrous campaign of calumny.
“This is the truth and nothing but the truth and to this extent, we call on Nigerians to disregard such media orchestrations either as news stories or those peddling the misleading information in their articles and columns. It’s all a hatchet job to tarnish Kwankwaso’s reputation but these mischief makers have failed woefully”.
Following the defection of the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the APC, there were reports that the APC fell out with Kwankwaso due to what was described as his “high demands.” Indeed, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Global Investment and Trade Company, Baba Yusuf, in an interview with Arise TV on Friday, said Kwankwaso misjudged his political leverage in his reported negotiations with the APC. “I will agree with the second outcome you mentioned — that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso overreached,” Yusuf said.
“Again I stress that it is a blatant lie that Kwankwaso made demands or entered into negotiations with the APC or Tinubu for his defection to their party. That never happened. “The last time he sat with the President was in January 2024, and there was no discussion about defecting to the APC. Those spreading the defection rumours were probably those who wanted to move to the APC, and who have done so now!
“It is quite clear that there is a conspiracy by the political elite to discredit Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; one fueled by these lies and half-baked opinions and articles with warped conclusions. Some have even concluded that the Senator is a “local champion”, but time will tell. Obviously, some people are trying to preempt Senator Kwankwaso’s next political move and want to stop him from entering into any alliance that they feel would be detrimental to their continued hold on power.“Kwankwaso is a man of integrity and plays his politics well, having the interest of the general public at heart. It is rather heart warming that his political base and the talakawas are not swayed by what is contained in these elitist newspapers and television” Johnson said.
Politics
Police Disrupt BAT/OGD Rally in Ogun
The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.
The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.
It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.
The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.
The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.
However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.
Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.
Politics
Supreme Court postpone ruling on ADC’s leadership disputes
A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.
A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.
The judge or bench takes time to carefully consider complex evidence, arguments, and legal precedents, often issuing a written decision later.
Justice Garba made the announcement after lawyers to parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their reliefs.
Mark’s appeal, marked: SC/CV/180/2026 is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Politics
Adelabu to resign as power minister
Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu will be resigning his position as minister of power in the coming days.
This was disclosed this morning by Mr Tunji Bolaji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister.
According to Bolaji, Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.
He said that the timing of the minister’s anticipated resignation reflected his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office.
According to him, Adelabu, on Tuesday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.”
President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector.
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