Tijani Abdulkabeer
Claim
The Spokesperson of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, on February 3rd tweeted that the New Nigeria Political Party (NNPP) Chairman in Gombe dumps the party for the All Progressive Congress (APC).
BREAKING: NNPP Chairman Dumps Kwankwaso, Defects To APC – https://t.co/73TFIlCuBS
— Festus Keyamo, SAN (@fkeyamo) February 3, 2023
Verdict
True. Our findings shows that the NNPP Chairman in Gombe, Abdullahi Maikano, defected to APC after meeting with the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Verification
A keyword search on Google revealed that reputable media platforms reported the defection. A report by the Nigerian Tribune explained that the defection was announced following a close door meeting with the Governor of Gombe, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at his residence.
This defection, according to a report by Ripples Nigeria, is coming barely two weeks after the NNPP flagged off its governorship campaign in the state.
For emphasis, available reports have also shown that the NNPP, who pride themselves as the main opposition party especially in the northern region continues to be faced with mass defection. For instance, a recent report by Channels TV revealed that the Kwankwasiyya Camp loses political ally to APC in Kano. Likewise, the National Treasurer of the party also resigned his position and membership in Bauchi State last November, a report by ThisDayLive has shown.
Now over 72 hours, the leadership of the party is yet to react to Maikano’s defection.
Conclusion
The claim that Abdullahi Maikano dumped NNPP is true, our findings shows that he has defected to the ruling APC in Gombe State.