Defection: Ward excos expel Kano NNPP chair, APC welcomes gov

The internal crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State deepened on Tuesday as executive members of the party in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, announced the sack of state chairman Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, amid renewed speculation over possible defections of top party figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The 27-member ward executive said the decision was reached during their second executive meeting, held two weeks after the general election. The resolution, signed by Ward Chairman Shuaibu Hassan and Secretary Yahaya Saidu Dungurawa, accused Hashimu of creating divisions within the party, instigating internal crises, failing to pay party dues, and making abusive remarks against Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Describing the alleged actions as detrimental to the unity, image, and progress of the NNPP, the ward executives insisted the decision was in line with the party constitution to enforce discipline and cohesion. Copies of the resolution were reportedly forwarded to the party’s local government, state, and national headquarters, as well as to NNPP national leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf for necessary action.

Reacting, Dungurawa dismissed the expulsion as invalid and procedurally flawed, insisting a ward executive lacked the authority to remove a state chairman.

“You don’t expel a state chairman that way. Complaints must be taken to the national leadership and the National Executive Committee. A ward cannot sack a state chairman. It is like a village head claiming he has removed an emir; it cannot happen,” he said.

Dungurawa spoke amid heightened political tension and speculation that key NNPP figures, including Governor Yusuf might defect to the APC. He maintained that the party remained intact and the situation was improving.

“Alhamdulillah, the situation is improving. Between yesterday, today and now, there is progress. By tomorrow at the latest, you will know the true position of things, and the situation will remain where we are,” he said.

He stressed that the party and the Kano State Government were working in tandem, with ongoing engagements among stakeholders to stabilise the situation.

On reports of meetings involving Senator Kwankwaso and lawmakers at state and federal levels, Dungurawa confirmed the gatherings but said he was not privy to the details.

“I am not a legislator and I am not the Jagora. I only witnessed their presence. I cannot say what they discussed, but I know there is progress,” he said.

He also dismissed rumours that either Kwankwaso or Governor Yusuf was planning to defect, pointing to what he described as clear symbols of loyalty to the NNPP.

“Did you see Kwankwaso remove his red cap? Did you see Abba remove his red cap or the NNPP flag beside him? That has never happened,” he said, adding that both leaders were working together for Kano’s development.

“My so-called removal is nothing but child’s play. I remain the party chairman,” he insisted.

But while Dungurawa insisted on remaining the chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya has emerged as the Acting Chairman of the party.

Abiya’s emergence was endorsed by the NNPP State Executive Committee (SEC) after an emergency meeting at the party secretariat in Kano.

Announcing the decision, Assistant Legal Adviser Barrister Yusuf Mukhtar said the appointment was in line with the NNPP constitution, following due consideration of reports submitted to the state leadership.

In his reaction, Abiya pledged fairness and justice in dealings with members, stressing the party’s commitment to unity and internal democracy.

He also reaffirmed loyalty to NNPP national leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, assuring that the party would remain focused on its mandate and objectives in the state.

Meanwhile, the APC in Kano State said it was ready to receive Governor Yusuf and other NNPP stalwarts if they decide to defect.

The APC state chairman, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, said the party’s doors were open to the governor in the interest of unity, reconciliation, and development.

“This is about unity, reconciliation and moving Kano State forward,” Abbas said, noting that the APC, under former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was prepared to welcome Governor Yusuf, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, councillors, and other political appointees.

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