The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State is battling a deep internal crisis, with party factions and defections raising concerns about its stability ahead of the 2027 elections. Party leaders and observers have accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of exploiting the situation to undermine the NNPP and reclaim the state.
Political observer Awwual Mustapher linked the crisis to the emergence of a faction led by Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba, who openly challenged the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and NNPP founder Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. “The faction recently held its congress, electing new executives to rival the existing party structure,” he revealed.
Yankaba claimed that the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a major faction within the NNPP, had abandoned its original principles. He accused its leaders of betrayal, stating, “Since 2019, I have supported them with my wealth and strength, but now they’ve left me behind. I leave it to Allah to take revenge for me.” Yankaba announced his withdrawal of loyalty to the movement while maintaining allegiance to the NNPP.
However, the NNPP Kano Chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, dismissed claims of factionalism within the party, describing the allegations as “baseless.” Dungurawa insisted that “Hon. Yankaba was never the Public Relations Officer of the NNPP, but only a liaison officer.” He also emphasized that recent party developments, such as welcoming a high-profile defector, Hon. Masud Eljibrin Doguwa, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), demonstrated the party’s continued growth.
Dungurawa also denied accusations that Kwankwaso interferes in government affairs, asserting that cabinet reshuffles in Kano were routine administrative decisions. “Even the president reshuffles his cabinet. This is a normal practice,” he said.
The crisis has led to a wave of defections from the NNPP to the APC. Prominent NNPP members, including federal lawmakers Aliyu Madakin-Gini and Alhassan Rurum, have distanced themselves from Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Critics within the NNPP blame Governor Yusuf’s strained relationship with Kwankwaso for the crisis. A major flashpoint occurred in April 2024 when a faction summoned Governor Yusuf to explain his participation in a controversial convention organized by the Kwankwasiyya group. The faction accused him of undermining party supremacy.
Also Read:
- Reps Push for Merit and Transparency in Clerk Appointment
- Former President Buhari Reveals He Lives Off Rental Income
Meanwhile, APC leaders have denied meddling in the NNPP’s affairs. Alhaji Ahmed Aruwa, an APC spokesperson, argued that the NNPP’s troubles stem from Kwankwaso’s alleged actions, including unilaterally changing the party logo from fruits to a book. “Kwankwaso created internal crises within the PDP before defecting to form the NNPP. He’s doing the same here,” Aruwa alleged.
The APC has capitalized on the situation, reportedly welcoming over 100,000 former NNPP members into its fold. Aruwa expressed confidence that more defections are forthcoming, naming notable figures like Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila and Abdullahi Baffa Bichi as potential returnees to the APC.
Grassroots NNPP members have voiced frustrations over the defections. Jibrin Bello, a resident of Kumbotso Local Government Area, attributed the crisis to APC interference. “The APC is orchestrating crises within opposition parties like the NNPP to weaken them,” Bello alleged.
Auwal Ahmad, another NNPP member, accused the APC of political opportunism. “The defections are not driven by ideology. They’re just exploiting the disarray within our party,” he said.
In response to claims that it supports an NNPP faction, the APC urged critics to investigate Kwankwaso’s role in the party’s internal disputes. “Kwankwaso needs to reconcile with Governor Ganduje if he wants peace,” Aruwa stated, adding that the APC remains focused on national development rather than meddling in opposition politics.