The national leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has stepped in to quash the purported suspension of its chairman in Kano State, describing the move as “null and void.”
The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, dismissing an attempt by local ward officials in Dawakin Tofa to remove Hashimu Dungurawa from his post.
The internal power struggle comes amid heightening political tension in Kano, a key stronghold for the party, following rumours of a rift between state officials and the governor.
‘Gross anti-party activity’
The controversy began when executive members of the Gargari Ward announced they were “sacking” Mr Dungurawa, accusing him of creating internal divisions.
However, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, insisted that a ward-level committee has no constitutional power to suspend a state chairman.
“The purported suspension of Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa is of no effect,” the statement said. “He remains the legitimate chairman. We call on all members to disregard any such unlawful pronouncements.”
Tensions in the Kano stronghold
Kano is the crown jewel of the NNPP, being the only state in Nigeria currently governed by the party. However, the political landscape has been rocked by:
- Defection Rumours: Unconfirmed reports that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf may be considering a move to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Leadership Disputes: Accusations of “anti-party activities” being traded between local and state-level officials.
Mr Dungurawa has threatened legal action against those behind the move, arguing that as a member of the party’s National Executive Committee, he is beyond the jurisdiction of local ward officials.
Loyalty to Kwankwaso
The national leadership used the opportunity to reaffirm its support for Mr Dungurawa, praising his “remarkable” performance in building the party’s presence in the state.
The NWC also urged members to remain loyal to the party’s national leader and former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who remains the influential figurehead of the “Kwankwasiyya” political movement that dominates Kano politics.
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