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.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development has heightened political tension in Kano State, pitting supporters of the governor against loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement founded by Kwankwaso.
In a 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 does not support any defection 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 several attempts to persuade those allegedly involved to remain within the NNPP in the interest of the state.
“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 said.
He appealed directly to Governor Yusuf and others reportedly planning to defect 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 added.
The NNPP chairman also dismissed allegations that party officials were scheming to set the governor against Kwankwaso.
“We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it,” he said.
He urged Kano residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, while cautioning party members against appending their names to documents allegedly being circulated by “mischief makers.”
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, confirmed 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 urged the public to avoid speculation.
Dungurawa concluded by calling on Kano residents and Nigerians to continue supporting the NNPP and its national leader ahead of future political engagements.
The unfolding crisis is expected to have significant implications for Kano’s political landscape as political alignments ahead of forthcoming elections continue to evolve.
