The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has been thrown into internal turmoil following reports of an alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Ab...
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has been thrown into internal turmoil following reports of an alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move strongly opposed by the party’s leadership and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The reported development has heightened political tension in Kano State and triggered disagreements within the NNPP, particularly between supporters of the governor and loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement founded by Kwankwaso.
In a press statement issued on behalf of the NNPP at both the state and national levels, the party said it was fully aware of the unfolding situation and firmly rejected any move to defect to the APC.
“We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” the NNPP Kano State Chairman, Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said. “I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.”
Dungurawa disclosed that the party had made repeated efforts to persuade those allegedly involved to remain within the NNPP in the interest of Kano State and its people.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano,” he stated.
He further appealed directly to the governor and others reportedly considering defection to reconsider their decision.
“On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected,” Dungurawa said.
The NNPP chairman also dismissed claims that some party officials were plotting to set the governor against Senator Kwankwaso.
“We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it,” he said.
He urged residents of Kano State to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while cautioning party members against appending their names to documents allegedly being circulated by what he described as “mischief makers.”
Reacting to the situation, the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, acknowledged that there were internal disagreements within the party but declined to comment on the alleged defection.
“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements,” Bature said. “However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time.”
He added that the NNPP leadership was addressing the matter internally and advised the public to avoid speculation.
Dungurawa concluded by calling on the people of Kano State and Nigerians at large to continue supporting the NNPP and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as the party prepares for future political engagements.
The unfolding crisis is expected to have far-reaching implications for Kano’s political landscape as realignments ahead of forthcoming elections continue to take shape.
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