Nigeria’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has thrown its full weight behind Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf as tensions escalate between him and the party’s former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
In a strongly worded statement, NNPP National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major, said the party would support whatever political decision Governor Yusuf deems necessary to protect governance and stability in Kano State.
Major described Yusuf as the NNPP’s only sitting governor and de facto leader, insisting that the party’s priority is his success in office rather than internal political disputes.
“Kwankwaso may have played a role in Yusuf’s emergence, but as governor, he must be allowed to govern without distractions arising from personal political interests,” Major said.
The party accused Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiyya Movement of undermining NNPP’s fortunes in Kano, warning that continued interference could erode the gains recorded in the 2023 elections.
“Kano is critical to NNPP’s future and to the 2027 general elections. We cannot allow internal sabotage to destroy what the party worked hard to achieve,” the statement added.
Kwankwaso, who was NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023, was later expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities. The NNPP claimed his post-election actions, including multiple court cases, weakened the party and triggered defections by members in Kano State.
Major alleged that Kwankwaso attempted to take over the party after the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding between NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“It was Kwankwaso’s litigations that led to mass defections of our members in Kano,” he said, adding that the party would no longer tolerate what it described as sustained attacks on Governor Yusuf.
Drawing a comparison with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Major said political leaders should allow elected officials room to perform rather than dictate governance.
“Kwankwaso should learn from the APC, which allows President Bola Tinubu to function as president without constant interference,” he said.
The NNPP also acknowledged growing speculation over Yusuf’s possible defection to the APC, describing such a move as “understandable” given the circumstances.
However, the party urged the governor to remain within its fold and lead a revival of the NNPP.
“Our position is clear: Governor Yusuf should stay, take charge as party leader, and reposition the NNPP for greater opportunities,” the statement concluded.
The political standoff underscores widening cracks within the NNPP as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections.
