Rt. Hon. Kabiru Rurum, the lawmaker representing the Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency, has made it clear that he is distancing himself from Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and aligning with the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. Rurum, who has previously held the position of Speaker in the Kano State House of Assembly, officially declared his allegiance to Aniebonam’s faction during an announcement, emphasizing the legitimacy of the NNPP as it is symbolized by the fruit logo. In contrast, he dismissed Kwankwaso’s faction, which operates under a book logo, positioning himself firmly with Aniebonam’s leadership.
Rurum’s statements not only clarify his political alignment but also reflect his broader commitment to supporting Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. He urged the governor to act independently and avoid taking directives from Kwankwaso, reiterating his loyalty to Yusuf. Rurum assured the people of Kano and his constituents about the governor’s capabilities in making sound decisions for the state. His support for Yusuf signals a strong endorsement of the current leadership and suggests a desire for stability within the political landscape of Kano.
In an attempt to maintain his political identity and commitment, Rurum also addressed speculations regarding a potential defection from the NNPP, asserting that he remains firmly with Aniebonam’s leadership. He criticized Kwankwaso for what he described as the hijacking of the party for personal ambitions, pointing out that it was Dr. Boniface who originally provided Kwankwaso with a political platform. Rurum characterized Kwankwaso’s actions as unjust towards Aniebonam, highlighting the importance of loyalty and respect within political affiliations.
The political landscape within the NNPP is shifting as Rurum’s declaration prompted others to reevaluate their affiliations. Notably, a member representing Dala Federal Constituency followed suit, leaving the Kwankwasiyya movement and advising his supporters to abandon the red cap, a symbol closely associated with Kwankwasiyya ideology. This exodus from Kwankwaso’s faction signifies a growing discontent among party members regarding leadership dynamics and may be a precursor to further political realignments within the NNPP.
The backdrop to these developments includes a recent ruling from the Uzuakoli Division of the High Court in Abia State. On November 1, 2024, Justice C.U. Okoroafor issued a directive that mandated the NNPP to be placed under the control of its Board of Trustees, with Dr. Boniface Aniebonam at the helm. This ruling emerged from a legal challenge initiated by three members of the NNPP seeking clarity amidst the ongoing leadership crisis. The court’s decision has undoubtedly intensified the factional disputes and has provided a legal basis for Rurum and others to assert their loyalty to Aniebonam’s leadership.
The evolving factionalism within the NNPP raises important questions about the future of the party and its potential divisions. Rurum’s declaration of fidelity to Aniebonam highlights underlying tensions and dissatisfaction with Kwankwaso’s leadership style, suggesting a fracture in the party’s unity. The implications of this split could shape not only the internal dynamics of the NNPP but also the broader political landscape in Kano and Nigeria, as stakeholders reassess alliances and ideological commitments in the face of changing circumstances. The dialogue surrounding party leadership and loyalty is indicative of larger themes within Nigerian politics, where personal ambition often intertwines with collective political goals.
