Crisis Rocks NNPP As Kwankwaso, Kano Governor Disagree Over Alleged Defection To APC

Politics in Kano has again become tense following claims that the state governor, Abba Yusuf, may leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The reported plan has been firmly rejected by the party’s leadership and its national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The situation has led to disagreements inside the NNPP, especially between supporters of the governor and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement loyal to Kwankwaso.

In a statement issued on behalf of both the Kano State chapter and the national leadership, the NNPP said it is aware of the situation and does not support any move to join the APC.

Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, said the party is united in opposing the defection.

“We are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” Dungurawa said.

“I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening.”

Dungurawa explained that the party had tried to convince those involved to remain in the NNPP, stressing that leaving now would not be in the best interest of Kano people.

He appealed to the governor and others said to be considering defection to rethink their decision.

“We did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano,” he stated.

“On behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected.”

He also rejected claims that some party officials are trying to create a rift between the governor and Kwankwaso, saying anyone making such allegations should provide proof.

“We have never put anyone against our leader, and if anyone has evidence, let them present it,” he said.

The NNPP chairman urged residents of Kano to stay calm and continue their normal activities.

He also warned party members against signing any documents being circulated by those he described as troublemakers.

When contacted, the Director General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, confirmed there are internal disagreements in the party but declined to speak on the alleged defection.

“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements.

“However, I cannot speak on any matter relating to defection at this time,” Bature said.

He said party leaders are dealing with the matter internally and asked the public not to speculate.

Dungurawa called on people in Kano and across the country to continue to support the NNPP and its national leader, Kwankwaso, as political activities ahead of future elections continue to build up.

KanyiDaily recalls that the NNPP previously expelled the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin.