Gov. Yusuf’s exit won’t weaken NNPP – Ekiti chairman

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ekiti State has said the exit of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the party will not affect its strength or electoral prospects.

The state chairman of the party, Adelusi Ayeni, stated this during an interview with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, insisting that the NNPP would not miss the Kano governor.

Yusuf had last Friday resigned from the party alongside over 20 members of the Kano State House of Assembly, a move that sparked reactions within political circles.

Ayeni said although Yusuf was widely regarded as the face of the party, his departure would not weaken the NNPP, adding that the party would rather grow stronger.

He claimed that the governor had not contributed meaningfully to the growth or expansion of the party since assuming office, despite being its only sitting governor.

Commenting on the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress, Ayeni said the trend suggested Nigeria was gradually drifting towards a one-party system.

He attributed the defections to selfish interests, accusing politicians of abandoning principles in pursuit of personal gain and easier access to federal power.

On the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti, Ayeni said Yusuf’s exit would not affect the party’s chances, expressing confidence in the NNPP candidate, Blessing Abegunde.

He also said discussions were ongoing with other political parties ahead of 2027, noting that the NNPP remained open to alliances, although no final decision had been taken.