Senior Advocate of Nigeria Magaji Mato has revealed that the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) did everything within its power to prevent the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, but ultimately the decision rested with the governor himself.
Mato made the comments during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Wednesday, explaining that while the party offered counsel and advice to the governor, personal conscience and trusted advisors played a decisive role in his choice to leave the party.
“You can only prevent that which you have power to do. So the NNPP has done all it could within its powers… including personal discussions and advice from those who respect the governor,” Mato said.
Despite Governor Yusuf’s defection, Mato emphasised that NNPP remains a strong political platform, particularly for the people of Kano. He highlighted the party’s rise to national prominence prior to the 2023 elections, crediting the leadership of key personalities rather than solely the party’s structure.
“So it’s not really about the party but about the personality involved that are running the affairs of the party,” he said. “The efficacy of the NNPP as a party and as a platform to run elections would not be subdued by the defection of Governor Yusuf.”
Mato’s statement underscores the NNPP’s confidence in its continued relevance and electoral strength, even as defections of high-profile politicians continue to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
