The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa, who leads a faction known as the “basket and full of fruits” group, has announced that an emergency meeting will soon be held to address the recent exit of prominent party members.
This announcement comes after several senior NNPP figures officially left the party on Thursday to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among those who defected were Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District; Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who serves Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya Federal Constituency and is a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly; Sha’aban Sharada, a former representative of Kano Municipal Federal Constituency; and Aliyu Gini of Dala Federal Constituency. Other important figures also moved with them.
Speaking to PUNCH on Friday, Doguwa said that the defections did not come unexpectedly. He noted that members had long been frustrated by how the Kwankwasiyya group allegedly ran party affairs, pushing many to feel unwelcome.
“When I took over as chairman, I made efforts to bring everyone on board. But the Kwankwasiyya group refused to cooperate and recognize my leadership, making it difficult to move the party forward,” Doguwa said.
He noted that many members left due to what he called maltreatment and unfair treatment orchestrated by leaders of the Kwankwasiyya group. Doguwa revealed that, in response to the recent turmoil, he and other NNPP stakeholders will soon call a meeting to discuss the situation and decide on the next steps for the party’s future.
Doguwa also dismissed rumors that his faction was secretly working with the APC. He stated clearly, “NNPP is a credible and independent political platform. We are not in any negotiation with other parties.”
Speaking further on the internal disputes within the NNPP, Doguwa maintained that his faction remains the rightful leadership body, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, the Kwankwaso-led camp is just a group of individuals without legitimate control of the party.
However, he also noted that his faction is open to making peace. Doguwa mentioned they are willing to invite the Kwankwaso camp to join in rebuilding the NNPP if they are ready.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Doguwa said consultations are already ongoing for potential alliances and realignments. He noted that the NNPP will also increase its efforts to attract new members to strengthen the party’s base.
On the matter of defections to the APC, he said, “Defections in politics are normal. Even prominent political figures across the country have changed parties over time.”
