The Kano State chapter of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has appealed to Governor Abba Yusuf and other prominent party members reportedly planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconsider their decision in the interest of the party and the people of the state.
The call was made on Monday by the state chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dugurawa, while addressing journalists in Kano. Dugurawa said the party leadership at both state and national levels, including its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was fully aware of the political developments and internal tensions currently unfolding in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the party and its various support groups, Dugurawa said the NNPP did not approve of any planned defection by its key members to the APC, a party he noted had been consistently opposed by the NNPP and rejected by Kano voters in recent elections.
“On behalf of the NNPP party in Kano State and at the national level, and all segments of this movement — including CRC, Lafiya Jari, Kano Propa, Kwankwasiyya, our teeming youths and women, and patriotic citizens — we are aware of the developments concerning some individuals who intend to defect to the APC,” he said.
He stressed that efforts had been made by party leaders to persuade those involved to exercise patience and remain within the party, but admitted that the situation had become increasingly difficult to manage.
“We did everything within our power to persuade them not to defect, because of our responsibility to them and to the people of Kano,” Dugurawa said. “We once again appeal to them, for the sake of Allah and the Prophet, not to leave this party and not to defect to the party that the masses have rejected.”
Dugurawa emphasised that the strength and future of the NNPP depended on unity and loyalty among its members, noting that the party’s mission was centred on improving the welfare of the people, particularly in areas such as education, agriculture, commerce and social development.
He also dismissed rumours suggesting that some party officials were working to pitch Governor Yusuf against Senator Kwankwaso. Dugurawa described such claims as unfounded and malicious, insisting that loyalty to the party’s leader should not be misinterpreted as internal rivalry.
“I want to draw attention to those spreading rumours that certain individuals are pitching the Governor against our leader. We have never put anyone against Senator Kwankwaso,” he said, adding that anyone with evidence should present it publicly.
The NNPP chairman further advised the public to ignore speculation and misinformation, urging residents to continue with their normal activities. He also warned party members against signing any documents allegedly being circulated by what he described as “mischief makers”.
Dugurawa concluded by calling on the people of Kano State and Nigerians at large to continue supporting the NNPP and Senator Kwankwaso, expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more successful in future elections.
