The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which ascended to power in Kano in 2023 with strong grassroots support, is now grappling with internal turmoil. Less than two years into its administration, defections, governance challenges, and rising dissatisfaction within the party threaten its hold on the state.
On Monday, the Kano State chapter of the NNPP announced the suspension of Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South) and three House of Representatives members—Aliyu Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency), Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), and Kabiru Rurum (Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure Federal Constituency). The party cited disloyalty and non-compliance with party directives as reasons for their suspension.
State chairman Hashimu Dungurawa accused the lawmakers of repeatedly ignoring major party events organized by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He further claimed that Sumaila’s decision to invite key figures from the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) to his daughter’s wedding and his university project commissioning demonstrated a lack of commitment to the NNPP.
However, the suspended lawmakers rejected the decision, describing it as illegitimate and politically motivated by Kwankwaso’s faction. In a joint statement, they accused the NNPP leader of turning the party into his personal empire and disregarding democratic principles. The national leadership of the NNPP also dismissed the suspensions as invalid, stating that the Kwankwasiyya movement no longer holds formal ties with the party.
Comrade Khatimul Kulkul, a senior aide to the Kano State governor, defended the suspensions, asserting that the move was necessary to protect the party from internal sabotage ahead of the 2027 elections. He expressed confidence that the Kwankwasiyya movement would maintain its dominance despite defections.
Political analysts warn that the deepening factional struggles within the NNPP could weaken its prospects in 2027 unless internal conflicts are resolved. While the party still enjoys considerable support in Kano due to its infrastructural projects, the APC remains a formidable opponent, leveraging federal influence to regain power.
With prominent NNPP members defecting and opposition leaders vowing to reclaim Kano, the party faces an uphill battle in maintaining its political stronghold. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the NNPP can navigate its internal crisis and retain public trust ahead of the next general elections.
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