Kano NNPP On The Brink: High-Profile Defections Loom After Controversial Suspensions

The suspended lawmakers—Senator Abdulraham Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), Abdullahi Rirum (Rano/Kibiya Federal Constituency), and Ali Maadakin Gini (Dala Federal Constituency)—are influential political figures with strong support bases. Their suspension has sparked a political firestorm, especially as these lawmakers are among the most powerful members of the NNPP in Kano.

NNPP State Chairman Hashimu Danguruwa announced the suspensions during a media interview, accusing the four lawmakers of engaging in anti-party activities, breaching party rules, and showing disloyalty. He criticized Senator Sumaila for not inviting fellow NNPP members to his daughter’s wedding, instead extending invitations to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Danguruwa labeled the suspended members as “non-functional” and claimed they were undermining the party’s interests.

However, some party members have raised concerns about the handling of the suspensions, fearing it could have serious ramifications for the NNPP’s future. One anonymous source within the party described the suspension as a “sad day for NNPP” and emphasized that Sumaila, in particular, had garnered substantial support after defeating former Governor Kabiru Gaya in the 2023 elections with over 100,000 votes. There are growing fears that, should the suspended lawmakers and their supporters defect to the APC, the political landscape in Kano could shift dramatically.

Sources suggest that the suspension was unavoidable, as tensions had been rising due to the lawmakers’ growing dissatisfaction with the party leadership. The suspended legislators were often absent from NNPP meetings and had been seen interacting with APC officials, further straining their relationship with the Kwankwassiyya faction of the party. Disagreements over candidate selections for local government elections, where many of the suspended members were sidelined, also deepened the rift.

Mas’ud el-Jibril Doguwa, a former senator and member of the Boniface Aniebonam faction of NNPP, dismissed the suspension as “laughable” and “insignificant.” He pointed to a court ruling that invalidated the leadership of the Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso-led NNPP in the state. Doguwa argued that the state chairman lacked the authority to suspend members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and accused the NNPP leadership of violating the party’s internal rules and denying members their right to a fair hearing.

The internal divisions and defections within the NNPP have raised concerns about the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. Analysts predict that the factionalism could weaken the party’s position in Kano, which is becoming a key battleground for political parties. Nevertheless, many believe that Rabiu Kwankwaso, a seasoned politician, will likely navigate these challenges and attempt to restore the party’s unity.