Kwankwaso–Yusuf Rift Deepens as Alleged APC Defection Plan Splits NNPP in Kano

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) emerged as Nigeria’s fastest-rising political force, driven largely by the influence and structure of its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Riding on that momentum, the party wrested Kano State from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Less than a year into governance, however, that momentum appears to be waning.

The NNPP is now mired in internal crises that threaten its foothold in Kano and have reportedly pushed its only serving governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the verge of defecting to the APC.

The troubles began with a controversial change of the party’s logo, when the Kwankwaso-led faction replaced the familiar basket of fruits with a book and graduation cap. The decision triggered legal battles that have since plunged the party into uncertainty and deepened internal divisions.

Sources within the Kano State Government told Sunday Vanguard that the prolonged crisis influenced Governor Yusuf’s alleged consideration of defecting to the APC as he weighs his options ahead of a second-term bid.

The move has angered the Kwankwaso camp, which sees it as a betrayal of the political movement and the electorate that brought the NNPP to power.

As a result, the party is now split into two factions — one aligned with Governor Yusuf and the other loyal to Kwankwaso.

Governor Yusuf’s camp is reportedly backed by the Speaker and majority of members of the Kano State House of Assembly, many commissioners and members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen under ALGON, councillors, some House of Representatives members and several political appointees.

The Kwankwaso camp, on the other hand, includes Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Head of Service, the party’s only serving senator, Rufai Hanga, embattled state chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, some commissioners and other loyal appointees.

Party Chairman Kicks Against Defection

NNPP’s Kano State chairman loyal to Kwankwaso, Hashimu Dungurawa, said the governor’s alleged defection plan lacked the approval of the party at both state and national levels.

He appealed to party members contemplating defection to reconsider, warning that such a move would amount to a betrayal of the masses.

“On behalf of the NNPP in Kano State and at the national level, and all segments of this movement — including our youths, women and patriotic citizens — we are aware of developments involving individuals planning to defect to the APC,” he said.

“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 this move. We have done everything possible to persuade them to be patient and remain in the party.”

Dungurawa urged members to remain committed to the party’s manifesto, particularly in the areas of education, agriculture and commerce.

Leadership Crisis Worsens

The crisis has been compounded by a leadership tussle within the Kano NNPP.

Executive members of the party in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, announced Dungurawa’s expulsion, accusing him of sowing division, failing to pay party dues and verbally attacking the governor.

The NNPP National Working Committee (NWC) swiftly nullified the action, describing it as “misplaced, undemocratic and of no effect,” and reaffirmed Dungurawa as state chairman.

However, a Kano State High Court later overturned the NWC’s decision and restrained Dungurawa from parading himself as chairman pending the outcome of the suit, further deepening the party’s crisis.

‘No Going Back’ on Defection — Source

Despite the controversy, a source close to the state government told Sunday Vanguard that Governor Yusuf’s alleged defection plan remains firmly on course.

According to the source, the governor fears that internal party disputes could jeopardise his re-election prospects and is exploring alternatives within the APC to avoid a repeat of the Zamfara scenario, where internal party crises led to the loss of a sitting government’s mandate.

The development reportedly angered Kwankwaso, who was said to have lamented at a recent meeting of loyalists at his Miller Road residence that he wished the situation was only a bad dream.

Deputy Governor Aligns with Kwankwaso

As tensions rose, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo was away in Saudi Arabia performing the lesser hajj.

Although his birthday message to Governor Yusuf briefly raised speculation of reconciliation, his appearance alongside Kwankwaso upon return dispelled such notions.

Gwarzo has since featured prominently at meetings held at Kwankwaso’s residence, where party loyalists continue to reaffirm their allegiance.

Political observers say the deputy governor now faces the risk of impeachment, while others believe he could emerge as a governorship contender should the NNPP survive the ongoing turmoil.

Assembly Backs Yusuf

The Kano State House of Assembly has openly endorsed Governor Yusuf’s second-term ambition.

Speaker Jibrin Falgore has repeatedly declared the Assembly’s support for the governor.

Out of 38 members, 24 belong to the NNPP and 14 to the APC, excluding two deceased NNPP lawmakers — a majority that gives the governor sufficient backing to withstand any impeachment attempt.

Kwankwaso Rejects Defection, Sets Terms

Kwankwaso has publicly opposed Yusuf’s alleged defection plan, describing it as painful to hand over the party’s hard-earned mandate to political rivals.

He urged the governor to resign if he insists on leaving the party.

“Nothing is as painful as taking our hard-earned victory to our rival camp. If they insist, life will go on,” he said.

While clarifying that he has not ruled out joining the APC himself, Kwankwaso insisted that any such move must be based on clear agreements.

“I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey and the fate of our plans for the common people,” he said, recalling how his political structure was sidelined after helping to form a previous federal government.

APC Poised to Benefit

Political analysts say the APC stands to gain the most from the NNPP crisis, though Governor Yusuf may face stiff competition within the ruling party.

Potential rivals include Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, his main challenger in the 2023 election, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Observers expect intense negotiations, compromises and power-sharing talks ahead of 2027.

Ganduje Factor, Possible Gains

Supporters of the defection argue it could end Kano’s isolation as an opposition state, unlock federal support, reduce post-election litigations and help resolve lingering emirship disputes.

Analysts also say if Kwankwaso refuses to follow Yusuf into the APC, his influence in Kano could diminish significantly, potentially strengthening the political relevance of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje within the state’s power structure.

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