Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, has responded to speculation about Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s potential defection from the party, describing the NNPP as one of the most legally structured and legitimate political parties in the country.
Naijaonpoint reports that Dungurawa warned the governor against leaving the party, stressing that no action had been taken by the NNPP to warrant such a move.
In an interview with Arewa Punch on Thursday, Dungurawa expressed surprise over the reports suggesting that Governor Yusuf was considering abandoning the party. He emphasised that the party had done nothing to provoke this contemplation.
Dungurawa said, “There is no political party in this country that meets all the standards of law and legitimacy like the NNPP. I am honestly wondering why the Kano State Governor is planning to dump the party.”
He further reiterated that the NNPP has a robust national presence with functional offices across Nigeria, ensuring it remains a prominent political force.
“We have offices in all 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. We have chairmen in some states and full party structures across the country,” he added.
Dungurawa directly appealed to Governor Yusuf, urging him to reconsider his potential defection, calling it a serious political miscalculation.
He emphasised that such a move would be a great mistake. “We are calling on him not to dump the party. This will be the greatest mistake he will make if he decides to leave the NNPP,” he warned.
Addressing concerns regarding a possible rift between the NNPP and Governor Yusuf, Dungurawa denied any crisis within the party, asserting, “As far as I know, the NNPP is fine, and there is no contending issue between the party and the governor.”
The NNPP chairman’s statement came amidst rumours and speculations about the governor’s intentions, but Dungurawa firmly asserted that there was no internal dispute to cause any defection.
Kwankwaso Remains Committed To NNPP
Dungurawa also responded to speculations surrounding Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP, and his alleged plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He dismissed the rumours as unfounded, emphasising Kwankwaso’s commitment to the NNPP and his pride in the party.
“Why is Kwankwaso going to do that?” he asked rhetorically. “Kwankwaso picked this party from nowhere, yet it won elections in Kano, Taraba, Bauchi, and Plateau states.”
He further stated, “Kwankwaso will not defect. He is proud of the NNPP. Whenever you visit him, you will see the party flag on his table and in his office.”
Dungurawa maintained that the NNPP remains a force to reckon with in Nigerian politics, with Kwankwaso at the helm, and that the rumours about a defection were without basis.
When asked why Governor Yusuf might be considering leaving the NNPP, Dungurawa identified two possibilities.
He said, “I am predicting this based on two things. One, maybe he is being threatened by agencies like the ICPC or EFCC, and that is why he wants to join the APC.
“But even at that, others have committed more than what is being alleged, if there is any at all.”
Dungurawa suggested that the second possibility for Yusuf’s consideration might be financial inducement, saying, “Maybe it is because of the huge amount of funds being sent to governors. If that is the case, then it is a shame.”
Dungurawa urged Governor Yusuf to reflect on the support he received from Kano voters under the NNPP platform. He pointed out that “Kano people deliberately dumped the APC and voted for him on the platform of the NNPP. He won in 2023 and, by God’s grace, we are likely to win again in 2027.”
He urged the governor to reconsider his decision to leave the party, stating, “He has done remarkably well in Kano, so I don’t understand why he is considering leaving the party. He should reconsider this decision and remain where the people have put their trust.”