The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly denied rumours suggesting he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party.
Reacting to a viral statement attributed to him, Kwankwaso described the report as a fabrication born out of political mischief. The former Kano State governor said the statement did not originate from him and that he has not entered into any agreement with any individual or party regarding defection.
Taking to his official X handle, @KwankwasoRM, the NNPP leader reiterated his decision to stay silent on current political developments — a stance he has maintained for some time and intends to continue.
“My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments in Nigeria,” he said.
“I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief. I have refrained from commenting on contemporary political events, and I will continue to do so for the time being. I urge the public to only engage statements that come from my public handles and other official sources.”
Kwankwaso also disowned the statement allegedly issued on his behalf by one Ibrahim Rabiu, stating that he had neither signed nor authorised any such release.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Rabiu has publicly recanted and apologised. In a new statement, he admitted that he was not authorised to speak for Senator Kwankwaso and expressed remorse for his actions.
“I, Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his behalf,” he said.
“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 incident highlights the growing concern over misinformation in Nigerian politics and the misuse of public figures’ identities in the digital age.