The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Kano State is embroiled in a deepening internal crisis following the dramatic expulsion of its State Chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, by party executives at the ward level.
Grounds for Expulsion: Division, Dues, and Disrespect
In a decisive move, 27 executive members of the NNPP in Gargari Ward, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, convened and passed a resolution to remove Dungurawa from his position. The meeting, which took place two weeks after the general elections, was chaired by Ward Chairman Shuaibu Hassan and Secretary Yahaya Saidu Dungurawa.
The ward leaders leveled serious allegations against the state chairman. They accused him of creating internal divisions, instigating crises within the party, and failing to pay his mandatory party dues. Most notably, they cited abusive remarks directed at Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as a key reason for their action.
The executives declared that Dungurawa's conduct was "detrimental to the unity, image, and progress of the NNPP" and posed a significant threat to party cohesion. They emphasized that the expulsion serves as a warning to any member who might misuse their office or place themselves above party regulations.
Resolution Forwarded to Top Party Leadership
Copies of the expulsion resolution have been officially dispatched to the party's hierarchy for necessary action. The documents were sent to the Local Government, State, and National headquarters of the NNPP.
Crucially, the ward executives also notified the party's national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Abba Yusuf himself, seeking their directives on the matter. In their communication, they reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to Senator Kwankwaso's national leadership and pledged continued support for Governor Yusuf's administration.
"The action underscores our commitment to peace, unity, and the overall advancement of the party at all levels," the ward officials stated in their resolution.
Turmoil Amidst Rumours of Defection
This expulsion adds another layer of complexity to the NNPP's challenges in Kano, a key political battleground. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain discipline and unity within the party's ranks.
The crisis unfolds against a backdrop of intense political speculation. Reports have previously indicated that Governor Abba Yusuf is poised to defect from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in January 2026. Such a move would sever his long-standing political alliance with Senator Kwankwaso and dramatically reshape Kano's political landscape, potentially erasing the NNPP from the map of ruling states in Nigeria.
However, Governor Yusuf has publicly dismissed rumours of a rift with his mentor, Kwankwaso. He recently described the senator as "our leader" and a "gifted, visionary politician," asserting that their bond remains strong despite "evil machinations" by detractors.
The expulsion of the state chairman by a ward chapter signifies a significant bottom-up challenge to the party's authority in Kano and raises questions about the NNPP's stability ahead of future electoral contests.
