The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has announced plans to hold an emergency meeting following the departure of several high-profile members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa, the state party chairman and leader of the faction known as the “basket and full of fruits” group, disclosed this during an interview on Friday. He noted that the defection of top NNPP politicians was largely due to internal disagreements, particularly with the Kwankwasiyya movement within the party.
Among those who recently left the NNPP are Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South; Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, a former speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current House of Representatives member for Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya; Sha’aban Sharada, who represented Kano Municipal; and Aliyu Gini of Dala Federal Constituency.
Doguwa explained that the defections were not unexpected, pointing to a lack of unity and cooperation among party factions. He claimed his efforts to unify the NNPP were resisted by the Kwankwasiyya group, which refused to acknowledge his leadership.
According to him, this internal division created dissatisfaction among members, prompting some to seek political alternatives. “In response to the situation, we are preparing to summon an emergency meeting to evaluate recent developments and determine our next steps,” he said.
Refuting claims that his faction is aligned with the APC, Doguwa stressed the NNPP’s independence and credibility, adding that no talks were underway with any other political party.
Addressing the ongoing dispute between his camp and that of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Doguwa insisted that his group holds official recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). While he described the Kwankwaso-led side as unofficial, he expressed openness to reconciliation aimed at rebuilding the party’s strength.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Doguwa said consultations are in progress regarding potential alliances and strategy, while the party continues its drive to attract new members.
On the recent defections, he remarked, “Changing political parties is common in Nigerian politics. Many political figures have switched parties multiple times. It’s part of the evolving political landscape.”