The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which rose to power in Kano State in 2023 with the backing of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement, is now facing internal strife that threatens its dominance. With defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suspensions of key lawmakers, and deepening factionalism, the party’s unity and prospects for the 2027 elections are in jeopardy.
As Kano politics heats up, the NNPP’s internal cracks are becoming impossible to ignore. Here’s a deep dive into the unfolding drama.
The Suspensions That Sparked the Crisis
On Monday, the Kano State chapter of the NNPP announced the suspension of Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South) and three House of Representatives members: Aliyu Madaki (Dala), Sani Rogo (Rogo), and Kabiru Rurum (Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure).
The party’s state chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, cited disloyalty and non-compliance with party directives as the reasons for the suspensions. He accused the lawmakers of ignoring key party events, including those organized by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Dungurawa also pointed to Sumaila’s alleged closeness to APC figures, including inviting them to his daughter’s wedding and university project commissioning, as evidence of his lack of commitment to the NNPP.
The Lawmakers’ Rebuttal
The suspended lawmakers have rejected the party’s decision, calling it a “fraudulent political gimmick” orchestrated by Kwankwaso’s faction. In a joint statement, they accused Kwankwaso of running the NNPP like a “personal empire” and disregarding democratic principles.
“Politics should be about service, integrity, and development, not a tool for dictatorship,” the lawmakers declared.
National Leadership Steps In
The NNPP’s national leadership has also weighed in, declaring the suspensions “null and void.” Dr. Oginni Olaposi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, stated that the Kwankwasiyya faction lacks the authority to suspend lawmakers, as its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NNPP ended after the 2023 elections.
Olaposi referenced a court ruling that placed the NNPP under the leadership of its Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, further complicating the power struggle within the party.
Kwankwasiyya’s Defense
Despite the backlash, the Kwankwasiyya faction remains defiant. Comrade Khatimul Kulkul, Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor, defended the suspensions, stating they were necessary to protect the party from internal sabotage.
“If we go into 2027 with them, they will create problems for us,” Kulkul said, expressing confidence that the Kwankwasiyya movement will prevail in the next elections.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analyst Abba Gwale highlighted the deepening factional divide within the NNPP, warning that unresolved internal crises could weaken the party’s prospects in 2027.
“The party is not in a good position heading into 2027 unless they sit down, amend their differences, and prepare for the politicking ahead,” Gwale said.
However, he acknowledged that the NNPP still enjoys significant support in Kano, thanks to the Kwankwasiyya movement and Governor Yusuf’s infrastructural efforts.
APC’s Growing Influence
The opposition APC is capitalizing on the NNPP’s internal turmoil. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje recently revealed that more NNPP members are set to defect to the ruling party, citing its policies and governance approach as key attractions.
At a recent empowerment program, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa boldly predicted that the APC would defeat the NNPP in Kano by 1 p.m. on election day in 2027.
What’s Next for NNPP?
As the NNPP grapples with internal divisions, the road to 2027 looks increasingly challenging. The party must address its factionalism, rebuild trust, and present a united front if it hopes to retain its grip on Kano politics.
For now, the suspensions and defections serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where loyalty is often tested, and alliances can shift in an instant
