In a decisive move to quell internal dissent and project a united front, the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has issued a firm directive to its members: remain steadfastly loyal to the party. This call comes against a backdrop of political maneuvering and persistent rumors of planned defections, as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to heat up in anticipation of the 2027 General Elections.
The party’s stance was articulated by its Kano State Chairman, Alhaji Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters. Dungurawa delivered a clear, unified message from the party’s hierarchy, explicitly stating that neither the state chapter, the national leadership, nor the party’s influential National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, sanctions any movement of members to rival political parties.
“We are appealing to all our members to remember the covenant we have with the people of Kano,” Dungurawa stated, framing the issue as one of responsibility rather than mere politics. He anchored this appeal to the party’s core constitutional mandates, which prioritize the development of critical sectors like education, agriculture, and commerce—areas vital to Kano’s economy and the well-being of its residents. The implicit argument was that party stability is a prerequisite for delivering on these promises of governance and development.
Perhaps the most significant part of the chairman’s address was his forceful dismissal of rumors suggesting deep-seated divisions within the NNPP’s ranks. Specifically, he addressed circulating claims that certain elements were actively working to create a rift between the state’s Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the party’s national figurehead, Senator Kwankwaso. Dungurawa categorically described these accusations as “baseless,” aiming to shut down a narrative that could severely damage the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.
This public reassurance is a standard yet critical tactic in Nigerian politics, where the perception of a united party is often as important as the reality. The Kwankwaso-Yusuf dynamic is particularly sensitive, as the former is the founder of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, which forms the NNPP’s ideological and grassroots backbone in the region, while the latter is the sitting executive. Any perceived discord between them could trigger a cascade of defections and weaken the party’s structure.
In his closing remarks, Dungurawa extended the call for loyalty beyond the party membership to the general public, urging continued support for the NNPP and Senator Kwankwaso. This direct appeal to voters underscores the party’s awareness that internal turmoil has external consequences, potentially eroding the broad coalition that brought it to power in the state. The statement serves as both an internal rallying cry and an external confidence-building measure, seeking to consolidate the party’s position as a formidable force ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Ultimately, the NNPP’s public plea for loyalty is more than a simple news item; it is a strategic communication aimed at controlling the political narrative. By preemptively denying defections and dismissing rumors of division, the party leadership is attempting to project strength and unity, qualities essential for retaining the support of both members and the electorate in the challenging and competitive political arena of Kano State.
