- We're worried but working to address issues - Party chair APC denies interference
The internal turmoil within the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Kano State is escalating as longstanding members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement push back against Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's hold over party leadership.
The rebellion marks the most significant challenge yet to Kwankwaso's authority, with members demanding more independence for the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This crisis unfolded shortly after Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, Commissioner for Transport, were suspended by party leaders on allegations of involvement in a splinter group promoting Yusuf's autonomy from Kwankwaso's influence.
Bichi's suspension underscored the party's fraying internal alliances, with members loyal to Yusuf increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction.
Garzali Musa Muhammad, known as Garzali Obasanjo, has been leading a campaign for Yusuf's independence. He said the campaign is gaining momentum among party loyalists.
"We are the foot soldiers who fought for Kwankwasiyya, but it's time we stop being slaves to one man," he argued, adding that Yusuf deserves to lead freely.
But while the state government publicly moved to quell the unrest, two NNPP House of Representatives members from Kano, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure), publicly distanced themselves from Kwankwaso and the movement on Sunday, signalling a wider stretch of the dissatisfaction.
This significant dissent follows Governor Yusuf's alleged refusal to attend meetings with Kwankwaso and to take his calls, a development reported by an online publication.
The revolt among some NNPP members is partly rooted in what insiders describe as Kwankwaso's tight control over the governor. Supporters of Yusuf argue that for the state government to function effectively, the governor must be free from Kwankwaso's shadow.
Madakin Gini, who has been a loyal Kwankwasiyya foot soldier, criticised the lack of respect for long-term supporters, stating that, "Kwankwaso disregards loyalists, only seeking them out when he's in trouble."
He also expressed concern that the governor was under pressure within the movement.
"My message to the governor is clear. They are trying to weaken him. I am urging him to stand firm; otherwise, he may be blindsided by those around him. I have insights into plans against him," he said.
But on Tuesday, the party's executives in Yalwa Ward, Dala Local Government, announced the suspension of Madakin Gini.
According to a statement by the Ward Chairman, Aminu Inuwa Habib, the decision was reached unanimously by party executives, who have established a disciplinary committee to determine further action.
In response, Aminu Abdullahi, an aide to Madakin Gini, dismissed the suspension, claiming the lawmaker aligns with the NNPP faction led by the party's Board of Trustees' Chairman, Chief Boniface Aniebonam.
Claims of APC interference
But some leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and others have been blaming the All Progressives Congress (APC) for fuelling the discord in the NNPP.
Yahaya Umar Bagobiri, an associate of Kwankwaso, claimed that the APC, wary of the NNPP's strength, has taken deliberate steps to create rifts within opposition parties ahead of the next general elections.
"It's the handwork of the APC," Bagobiri, who remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Kwankwaso's exit, insisted. He suggested that APC operatives have sought to weaken the NNPP and other major opposition groups.
He contended that this was part of a larger plan by the APC to ensure voters are left with weakened choices come election time.
Bagobiri also pointed to the legal challenges surrounding the NNPP's rebranding, including a recent court ruling that prevented changes to the party's logo.
"Kwankwaso tried to change the logo to one with a book and a pen. This could backfire if the court invalidates NNPP candidates' positions due to these branding issues," he warned.
State Assembly leadership denies crack
Amid these accusations and internal discord, the Kano State House of Assembly has firmly denied any factionalism within the NNPP.
Lawan Husseini, the House Majority Leader, dismissed reports of a split, describing them as "fabricated stories by the opposition." He accused opposition members of attempting to sow discord to distract Governor Yusuf from his duties.
"We, honourable members, are fully loyal to Sen. Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf," Husseini emphasised, insisting that the bond between Kwankwaso and Yusuf remains intact.
Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, a senior special adviser to Governor Yusuf, echoed this stance, dismissing any notion of a fallout between Yusuf and Kwankwaso.
"Any assertions of a rift are exaggerated," he stated, highlighting the respectful working relationship between the two leaders. Hotoro reassured the public that Governor Yusuf remains committed to the ideals of the NNPP and urged restraint in circulating unverified claims that could destabilise the party.
Ibrahim S. Adam, a personal assistant to Kwankwaso, also denied reports of discord, citing recent joint appearances of the two leaders. He noted that Yusuf attended Kwankwaso's birthday celebration and other recent events, evidence, he claimed, of their ongoing collaboration.
"This propaganda is the work of the APC in Kano, unhappy with Governor Yusuf's accomplishments," Adam contended.
The APC, however, brushed aside accusations of interference.
Ahmad Aruwa, the APC spokesman in Kano, asserted that the NNPP's issues are its own to handle.
"The NNPP should focus on governing Kano instead of blaming the APC. We don't have time for these distractions; they need to address their own problems," he said.
Divergent views on Kwankwasiyya's future
Nevertheless, divisions persist within the NNPP, with some members continuing to challenge Kwankwaso's dominance.
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Garzali Obasanjo vowed to keep pushing for Yusuf's independence, stating, "The movement's call is manifesting. Kwankwaso must realise his errors and let Abba govern as the people elected him to do."
He suggested that Governor Yusuf's success depends on him breaking away from Kwankwaso's control and standing on his own.
We're worried but working to address issues - NNPP chairman
The NNPP chairman in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, acknowledged the internal tensions, attributing them to communication issues within the party.
"This situation shows the party's strength," he remarked, adding that the NNPP is "growing stronger despite grievances."
Dungurawa revealed that the party leadership had taken steps to address the divisions, including organising a meeting to reconcile key members--Madakin Gini and Rurum--with the party.
"We have arranged to meet and discuss these issues openly. The Kwankwasiyya is the heart of NNPP. Without it, the NNPP could collapse."
He also dismissed the 'Abba Tsaya da Kafarka' slogan, which calls for Yusuf to "stand on his own two feet," stating that it undermines party unity. "This movement appears aimed at destabilising the party, and we won't take it lightly," Dungurawa said, noting that the party has suspended those involved and is investigating the matter further.
Meanwhile, analysts have observed that the unfolding drama highlights a critical moment for Kwankwaso and the NNPP. They emphasised that Kwankwaso's hold over Kano politics and Yusuf's government face their biggest test yet with this internal turmoil.
