The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis, characterized by factionalism, defections, and allegations of external interference. Political observers posit that the ongoing turmoil is a deliberate plot to pave the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to regain control of the state in the 2027 elections. A dissident faction, led by former party spokesperson Musa Nuhu Yankaba, accuses key NNPP figures like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of deviating from the party’s true ideals and betraying the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the ideological bedrock of the NNPP. Yankaba claims personal sacrifices and support for the movement have been disregarded, fueling his disloyalty and accusations of betrayal.
The NNPP’s official stance, articulated by state chairman Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, is one of denial. Dungurawa dismisses the existence of factions and insists on equal treatment of all members. He downplays the significance of the dissenting voices, labeling them as non-politicians and their claims as baseless. He highlights the recent defection of Hon. Masud Eljibrin Doguwa from the PDP to the NNPP as a sign of the party’s continued strength, dismissing allegations of external sponsorship aimed at destabilizing the NNPP. Dungurawa also clarifies Yankaba’s role as a liaison officer, not the official spokesperson, seemingly minimizing his influence and the validity of his criticisms. He further asserts Kwankwaso’s non-interference in governance and portrays the recent cabinet reshuffle as a routine administrative procedure.
However, the NNPP’s narrative of stability contrasts sharply with the escalating turmoil within the party. The year 2024 has witnessed a wave of defections to the APC, including prominent figures within the Kwankwasiyya Movement. Federal lawmakers have publicly distanced themselves from Kwankwaso and the movement, signaling a significant erosion of support. Adding to the internal strife, a faction within the NNPP summoned Governor Yusuf to appear before a disciplinary committee, accusing him of participating in an illegal national convention organized by the Kwankwasiyya group. This action further exposed the deep divisions within the party and the challenges to Kwankwaso’s authority.
The leadership struggle between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso’s loyalists adds another layer to the crisis. Yusuf’s allies reportedly advocate for greater autonomy in governance, leading to clashes with Kwankwaso’s camp. The dismissal of several commissioners, including key officials, further fueled speculations of a power struggle and attempts to assert Yusuf’s independence from Kwankwaso’s influence. Amidst this internal turmoil, allegations of APC involvement in exploiting the NNPP’s divisions to weaken the party ahead of future elections have gained traction.
The APC, however, denies interfering in the NNPP’s affairs. Alhaji Ahmed Aruwa, the APC Public Relations Officer in Kano, attributes the NNPP’s problems to Kwankwaso’s actions, including unilaterally changing the party logo, a move criticized for not being registered with the Independent National Electoral Commission. Aruwa highlights the APC’s focus on national development and accuses the NNPP of failing to deliver on its promises, lacking transparency, and neglecting its members. He points to the defections of key NNPP figures as evidence of the party’s internal disarray and its inability to retain support. Aruwa also dismisses the notion of supporting a faction within the NNPP and emphasizes the APC’s appeal due to the developmental achievements of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration. He suggests that Kwankwaso should initiate reconciliation with Ganduje, placing the onus of mending the strained relationship on the NNPP leader.
The contrasting narratives presented by the NNPP and the APC reveal a complex political landscape. While the NNPP attempts to project an image of unity and stability, the numerous defections, internal disputes, and accusations of external interference suggest a deeper crisis. The APC, on the other hand, capitalizes on the NNPP’s woes, portraying itself as a stable and development-focused alternative. The perspectives of ordinary party members further illuminate the situation, with NNPP supporters expressing concern over the defections and blaming the APC for exploiting their party’s internal challenges. APC members, conversely, view the defections as a natural consequence of the NNPP’s internal problems and emphasize the importance of unity within their own ranks to regain control of Kano.
Political analysts offer a nuanced perspective on the unfolding crisis. They attribute the NNPP’s troubles to its reliance on the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has become a source of division rather than unity. The strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso, coupled with the mass defections, poses a significant threat to the party’s future. Analysts suggest that the NNPP’s failure to address internal grievances and establish a clear direction has contributed to the APC’s gains. They emphasize the urgent need for reconciliation within the NNPP to avoid further decline and maintain relevance in Kano politics. The ongoing crisis is viewed as a crucial juncture for the NNPP, where its leadership decisions and internal cohesion will determine its ability to navigate the challenges and remain a viable force in the state’s political landscape. The party’s leadership must acknowledge the internal dissent, address the concerns of its members, and foster genuine unity to regain lost ground and prepare effectively for the 2027 elections.
