An intense political drama is unfolding in Kano State as Senator Kawu Sumaila, Ali Madakin Gini, Sani Abdullahi Rogo, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum have rejected their suspension by the state chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party over alleged anti-party activities.
The four lawmakers have dismissed the suspension as a “fraudulent political gimmick” aimed at deceiving the public and distracting from the failures of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s faction of the party.
In a joint statement, they criticized Hashimu Dungurawa, the Kano State NNPP chairman, calling him a “political puppet of Kwankwaso” with no credibility to address party matters. The lawmakers pointed to the Abia High Court judgment of November 1, 2024, which recognized Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the only legitimate NNPP leader and expelled Kwankwaso and his supporters.
They accused Kwankwaso of transforming the NNPP into a personal empire, ignoring party unity, democratic principles, and basic courtesy. The lawmakers also cited Kwankwaso’s refusal to attend the wedding of Senator Kawu’s daughter and the convocation of Al-Istiqama University despite being formally invited, claiming his absence was politically motivated.
“His deliberate absence, especially in the presence of APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, and other national figures, was a petty and calculated attempt to undermine political opponents,” the lawmakers stated.
The lawmakers further alleged that Kwankwaso has “weaponized division and manipulation” within the party, using tactics like suspensions to maintain control. They described the suspension as “laughable” and “baseless,” stressing that Kwankwaso’s faction had already been expelled from the NNPP and held no authority within the party.
“This reckless move is not just illegal; it is a desperate act by a faction that has already been expelled from the NNPP and holds no authority whatsoever,” they added.
The suspension crisis has highlighted deep divisions within the Kano State NNPP, with Kwankwaso’s faction facing accusations of authoritarianism and disregard for party democracy. The lawmakers’ rejection of the suspension sets the stage for a prolonged struggle for control of the party in Kano State.
