The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State is facing what many political observers describe as a significant internal crisis, with accusations and counteraccusations flying between party members and rival factions. This turbulence, fueled by allegations of interference from the All Progressives Congress (APC), is raising questions about the NNPP’s ability to maintain political control in Kano as the 2027 elections approach.
The crisis in the NNPP took a dramatic turn with the emergence of a faction that openly challenged the current party leadership. Led by former party spokesperson Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba, this group has accused influential figures, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, of deviating from the party’s foundational principles.
In a recent congress convened by the faction, new executives were elected, further escalating tensions within the party. Yankaba stated, “We are trying to help members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement realize they are on the wrong path.” He accused the party’s leadership of betraying its pioneer and national leader.
Yankaba, who claimed to have supported the Kwankwasiyya Movement with his resources and strength, lamented that he had been abandoned by those he once supported. “I leave it to Allah to take revenge for me. As of today, I withdraw my loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya Movement,” he said.
Despite the allegations, the Chairman of the NNPP in Kano, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, denied the existence of any faction within the party. He dismissed the claims as “baseless,” asserting that the party treats all its members equally. He further clarified that Hon. Musa Nuhu Yankaba had never been the party’s Public Relations Officer, describing him as merely a liaison officer.
Dungurawa also accused the APC of sponsoring discontent within the NNPP to destabilize the party ahead of 2027. He reaffirmed the party’s stability, stating, “Kwankwaso has never interfered in the government’s affairs,” and described recent cabinet reshuffles as routine administrative practices.
The year 2024 has been particularly challenging for the NNPP, with widespread defections to the APC. Key figures within the Kwankwasiyya Movement, considered the ideological backbone of the NNPP, have voiced their discontent. Among them are federal lawmakers such as Aliyu Madakin-Gini and Alhassan Rurum, who have distanced themselves from Kwankwaso and his movement.
These defections, coupled with internal discord, have cast doubts on the NNPP’s ability to maintain its foothold in Kano. A political observer, Awwual Mustapher, pointed out that “the APC is exploiting these divisions to weaken the NNPP’s cohesion in preparation for future elections.”
Responding to allegations of meddling, Alhaji Ahmed Aruwa, the Public Relations Officer of the APC in Kano, denied any involvement in the NNPP’s internal affairs. He instead blamed Kwankwaso for the crises within his party, accusing him of betraying his allies and causing disunity.
Aruwa highlighted the APC’s focus on improving citizens’ welfare at the national level and criticized the NNPP for failing to support its members. He also noted that over 100,000 former NNPP members had defected to the APC, with more defections expected in the coming months.
As the NNPP struggles with internal challenges, members like Jibrin Bello have expressed concern over the party’s prospects. Bello attributed the defections to the APC’s alleged strategy of orchestrating crises within opposition parties.
Another NNPP member, Auwal Ahmad, criticized those defecting to the APC, describing them as politically ineffective. Conversely, APC loyalists like Nurulhaq Kabir defended the party’s actions, arguing that the defections reflect a loss of confidence in the NNPP.
With the 2027 elections looming, the NNPP faces an uphill battle to regain stability and public confidence. The party must address its internal divisions and rebuild its cohesion to remain a formidable political force in Kano. Meanwhile, the APC appears poised to capitalize on the NNPP’s challenges, with its eyes set on reclaiming Kano State in the next election cycle.