Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has vehemently denied rumours suggesting he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement shared on his verified X handle, @KwankwasoRM, the former Kano State governor described the reports as "false, misleading, and politically motivated," while dissociating himself from a trending message claiming he had reached an agreement to return to the APC.

"My attention has been drawn to a statement purportedly stating my position on the recurring political realignments. I wish to categorically state that such statements are false, unfounded, and products of political mischief," Kwankwaso stated.

The former governor further emphasized his current stance on political commentary, saying: "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."

The controversy stemmed from a viral statement allegedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabiu, which claimed that Kwankwaso had met with President Bola Tinubu multiple times and was being persuaded to return to the APC fold.

In a surprising turn of events, Ibrahim Rabiu, the author of the controversial statement, has publicly recanted and apologized to Senator Kwankwaso, describing his actions as a "work of the devil."

"I, Ibrahim Rabiu, wish to inform the general public that I was never authorised by Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso to issue and release a statement on his behalf," Rabiu admitted in a follow-up message.

"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," he added.

Kwankwaso's clarification comes amid ongoing speculations and political realignments across Nigeria's political landscape, particularly as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts note that defection rumours are becoming increasingly common as Nigeria's next electoral cycle approaches, with major political figures often subject to speculation about their party allegiances.