By Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has officially broken its silence on the brewing political crisis in Kano, dismissing claims that its National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has approved the rumored defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a joint press briefing held on Monday, the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP, Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, described the current political situation as “challenging,” admitting that despite intense persuasion from party leaders, the Governor appears set on his plan to leave.
Addressing journalists, Dungurawa clarified that the reports of a “joint move” involving Kwankwaso are false.
“I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso… do not approve of what is happening,” Dungurawa stated. “In fact, we did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC… however, that has become difficult.
The Chairman made a direct, emotional plea to Governor Yusuf and his supporters to reconsider their exit, citing the party’s responsibility to the masses who voted for them.
He urged the Governor not to join a party that “voters have rejected.”
“We once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed,” the Chairman added.
The briefing also touched on the growing internal friction within the Governor’s inner circle. Dungurawa addressed accusations that certain individuals including himself, the Deputy Governor, and Senator Rufai Hanga were “pitching” the Governor against Kwankwaso.
He dismissed these claims as baseless, insisting that their actions are rooted in loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
In a move to protect the party’s integrity, the Chairman warned the public and party members not to sign any documents or join any “circulations” currently being promoted by what he described as mischief-makers.
The Director General, Media and Publicity to Governor Abba Yusuf, Sanusi Bature while reacting to the situation acknowledged that there was a rift within the party but declined to comment on the alleged defection.
“Yes, there are issues within the party, and we are aware of the disagreements.., However, I cannot comment on the defection issue ,” Bature said when contacted.
FULL TEXT: NNPP Chairman Dungurawa’s Statement on Gov. Yusuf’s Planned Defection
(Below is the official press statement released by Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, NNPP Chairman, Kano State, on December 29, 2025)
On behalf of the NNPP party in Kano State and at the national level, and all the segments of this blessed movement—such as CRC/Lafiya Jari/Kano Propa/Kwankwasiyya, our teeming youths and women, and patriotic citizens—I wish to inform you that we are aware of the developments happening here in Kano State concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC.
I want to make it clear that the Kano State party, the national party, and our national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, together with other leaders, do not approve of what is happening. In fact, we did everything within our power to persuade them to be patient and not defect to the APC, because of our responsibility to them and our responsibility to the people of Kano; however, that has become difficult.
Therefore, on behalf of all of us collectively, we once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that we have opposed and which the masses and other voters have rejected.
Our hope is that they will remain in this party in order to help those who are suffering, and to improve education, agriculture, commerce, and other sectors, as provided for in our party’s constitution.
I would also like to draw the attention of those spreading rumors, especially the claim that certain individuals are pitching the Governor against our leader, Senator Kwankwaso— particularly the Deputy Governor, Senator Rufai Hanga, Sanusi Surajo and Hashimu Dungurawa. We believe that the accusation is based on our good relationship and loyalty to the leader. However, we have never put anyone against our leader; and if anyone has evidence, let them present it. May Allah grant them patience.
For this reason, on behalf of all NNPP officials and leaders, the public is advised to continue with their daily means of livelihood.
At this point, I will like to call that nobody should their names on any document as being circulated by mischief makers.
Finally, we call on all the people of Kano State and the nation at large to continue supporting the NNPP and our leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, in order to achieve success in the upcoming elections.
Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa
NNPP Chairman, Kano State
Contact indagi3792@gmail.com
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