Amid growing internal tensions, the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced plans to convene an emergency meeting following the recent defection of several high-profile members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa, Kano NNPP Chairman and leader of the faction referred to as the “basket and full of fruits” group, confirmed the development on Friday during an exclusive chat with ireport247new.com. He said the defections were unsurprising, blaming internal discord and factionalism for the party’s current predicament.
Prominent among the defectors are Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South Senatorial District), Kabiru Alhassan Rurum (former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly), Sha’aban Sharada (former representative of Kano Municipal Federal Constituency), and Aliyu Gini (Dala Federal Constituency), alongside several other influential figures. Their departure marks a major blow to the NNPP’s political strength in Kano State, a key battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.
Doguwa attributed the mass exodus to the dominance and alleged high-handedness of the Kwankwasiyya group, led by former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. According to Doguwa, the group’s refusal to cooperate and recognize his leadership stifled efforts to unify and grow the party.
“When I assumed leadership as chairman, my goal was inclusivity. I reached out to every member and stakeholder. Unfortunately, the Kwankwasiyya movement chose to sideline us, sowing division and frustration that ultimately pushed many loyal members out,” Doguwa lamented.
He emphasized that the forthcoming emergency meeting would allow stakeholders to reassess the situation and decide on a clear roadmap for the future. “We will deliberate extensively and take strategic decisions to stabilize and strengthen the NNPP in Kano and across Nigeria,” he stated.
Responding to accusations that his faction was working with the APC to weaken the NNPP, Doguwa dismissed the claims as baseless. He stressed that the NNPP remains a credible and independent political platform, free from external influence.
“We are not in any alliance or negotiation with the APC. Our loyalty remains with the NNPP. However, we are realistic about the need for consultations and possible realignments ahead of the next election cycle,” Doguwa noted.
He reaffirmed that his faction is officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the legitimate leadership of the NNPP in Kano. According to him, the Kwankwasiyya group comprises “a handful of individuals” and not the entire party.
Despite the widening rift, Doguwa extended an olive branch, saying that reconciliation remains an option if the Kwankwasiyya faction demonstrates sincerity in efforts to rebuild the party.
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, political alignments and defections are expected to intensify. Analysts believe the latest defections from NNPP to APC signal an early reconfiguration of political alliances, especially in the North-West region.
Speaking on the broader political landscape, Doguwa remarked, “Defections are part of Nigerian politics. Great politicians have crossed party lines when necessary. What matters is the collective interest of the people we serve.”
Meanwhile, insiders within the APC view the defections as a major boost to the party’s prospects in Kano, a state that carries significant electoral weight.
The NNPP had gained considerable momentum during the 2023 elections, notably winning the Kano governorship seat. However, internal wrangling and leadership disputes now threaten its political foothold in the state.
Political observers have warned that unless the NNPP resolves its internal crisis quickly, it risks losing relevance ahead of 2027.
As of press time, no official date has been announced for the emergency meeting, but sources indicate it could be held within the next two weeks.