Court Upholds Abiya's NNPP Leadership in Kano, Nullifies Kwankwaso's Dissolution
A Kano State High Court has delivered a landmark ruling, affirming Abdullahi Abiya as the authentic Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano and nullifying the dissolution of the party's state leadership. The court, presided over by Justice Nasiru Saminu, declared that the NNPP's National Working Committee (NWC) acted beyond its constitutional powers in carrying out the dissolution, thereby dealing a significant blow to Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's influence within the party.
Legal Challenge and Court Ruling
Abiya had filed a lawsuit against the NNPP NWC, challenging the dissolution of the party leadership in Kano without fair hearing. He also sought to restrain Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, a Kwankwaso ally, from parading himself as a parallel chairman. In his judgment, Justice Saminu set aside the dissolution, citing that the NWC improperly relied on Article 10.3 of the party's constitution to effect a blanket dissolution without involving the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The court held that the dissolution was ultra vires, unconstitutional, and void, as it violated the plaintiffs' right to fair hearing under both the Nigerian Constitution and the NNPP's own rules. Justice Saminu granted a perpetual injunction, restraining the party and its agents from interfering with the tenure of the duly elected State, Local Government, and Ward Executive Committees in Kano State.
Expulsion of Kwankwaso's Ally Upheld
In a further setback for Kwankwaso, the court upheld the expulsion of Hon. Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa from the NNPP. The expulsion, declared by his Gargari ward and ratified by Dawakin-Tofa council and the state executive council, was deemed valid and lawful in full compliance with the party's Constitution. The court restrained Dungurawa from parading himself as the Kano State Chairman of the NNPP or performing any functions attached to that office.
Reliefs Granted and Costs Awarded
Justice Saminu granted all reliefs sought by Abiya, including:
- A declaration that the dissolution was unlawful and void.
- An order setting aside the purported dissolution made on January 2, 2026.
- A perpetual injunction against further interference with the elected committees.
The court subsequently awarded costs of ₦500,000 against Dungurawa and the NWC, reinforcing the legal victory for Abiya and his faction. This ruling underscores the ongoing internal strife within the NNPP, highlighting tensions between national and state leadership as the party navigates political challenges in Kano.
