Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has said Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf can legally defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) without relinquishing his mandate, drawing parallels with the political moves of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Shekarau made the remarks in response to criticisms from Kwankwaso, who suggested that Yusuf should give up his mandate before leaving the NNPP. He argued that such a requirement is inconsistent with precedent, noting that Kwankwaso himself had previously moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another party while still holding office.

According to Shekarau, defections are personal political choices and should not automatically be seen as betrayal. He said Yusuf would merely be following a path already trodden by other politicians, and that political realignments are part of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The statement comes amid growing speculation over the future of the NNPP and the broader Kwankwasiyya movement, with political observers noting that Yusuf’s potential defection could have significant implications for party unity and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.