The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa, who leads the faction often referred to as the “basket and full of fruits” group, has announced plans for an emergency meeting in response to the recent exodus of key party members.
The defections, which took place on Thursday, saw several high-profile figures abandon the NNPP for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among those who defected were Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District; former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum; Sha’aban Sharada, a former lawmaker for the Kano Municipal Federal Constituency; and Aliyu Gini of Dala Federal Constituency, along with other notable party stalwarts.
Doguwa said the developments were anticipated, blaming internal divisions, particularly the actions of the Kwankwasiyya group, for the turmoil within the party.
“When I assumed leadership, I extended an olive branch to all factions. Unfortunately, the Kwankwasiyya group neither accepted my leadership nor worked collaboratively, creating a stumbling block to the party’s progress,” Doguwa explained. He accused the Kwankwasiyya faction of fostering internal inequality and mistreatment, leading to growing dissatisfaction among party members.
Despite the setbacks, Doguwa revealed that plans are underway to convene an emergency meeting of NNPP stakeholders to strategize and chart a path forward. He firmly rejected speculation that his faction was negotiating with the APC, emphasizing, “The NNPP remains an independent and credible political force. We are not in talks with any other party.”
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Commenting on the dispute between his group and the camp loyal to former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Doguwa maintained that his faction constitutes the legitimate leadership of the NNPP in Kano, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He described the Kwankwaso camp as merely an assemblage of individuals without official standing but added that his faction remains open to reconciliation efforts aimed at unifying and rebuilding the party.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Doguwa disclosed that consultations are ongoing regarding potential political alliances and strategic repositioning. He also reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to expanding its grassroots support base.
Addressing the defections, Doguwa noted, “Party switching is a common phenomenon in Nigerian politics. Even some of the country’s most prominent political figures have moved between parties over time.”
