Bello Alhassan, Kaduna
DAILY COURIER - A political storm has erupted in Kano State as suspended federal lawmakers elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have publicly rejected their suspension, accusing the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of dictatorship and political vendetta. The lawmakers, including Senator Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini, Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, and Hon. Sani Abdullahi Rogo, described their suspension as illegitimate and politically motivated.
The crisis unfolded after the NNPP’s Kano State chapter, led by Chairman Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, announced the suspension of the lawmakers on Sunday, citing alleged anti-party activities. The party accused the lawmakers of associating with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other opposition figures, actions it claimed were contrary to the NNPP’s principles.
However, in a strongly worded joint statement, the suspended lawmakers dismissed the suspension as a baseless move orchestrated by Kwankwaso’s loyalists. They accused Kwankwaso of turning the NNPP into a personal empire, disregarding democratic principles, and fostering division within the party.
“Politics should be about service, integrity, and development, not a tool for vendetta and dictatorship. Unfortunately, in Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has turned the NNPP into his personal empire—one that disregards party unity, democratic principles, and even basic courtesy,” the statement read.
The lawmakers also criticized Kwankwaso for boycotting significant events, including the wedding ceremony of Senator Kawu Sumaila’s daughters and the convocation of Al-Istiqama University, despite formal invitations. They described his absence as a display of political pettiness, especially given the presence of prominent figures such as APC National Chairman Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, and former Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau at the events.
“His refusal to attend these events, especially in the presence of national figures, exposes his deep-seated political insecurity,” the lawmakers stated.
The suspended lawmakers further accused Kwankwaso of using Hashimu Dungurawa, the Kano State NNPP chairman, as a political tool to enforce his control over the party. They referenced a court ruling from November 1, 2024, which they claimed affirmed Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the only legally recognized NNPP leader and expelled Kwankwaso and his loyalists from the party.
“The truth remains that the Abia High Court judgment of November 1, 2024, affirmed Dr. Boniface Aniebonam as the only legally recognized NNPP leader, expelling Kwankwaso and his loyalists. Their continued attempt to impose themselves on the party is nothing more than an act of political desperation,” the statement continued.
The lawmakers called on party members and the public to resist what they described as Kwankwaso’s attempt to hijack the NNPP for personal gain. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party under its legitimate leadership and ensuring it serves the people rather than the ambitions of a few individuals.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Senator Kawu Sumaila maintained that he and his colleagues had done nothing wrong. He emphasized that the suspension was carried out without due process and that no offense had been committed to warrant such action.
“They didn’t even follow due process in their so-called suspension. You can’t just announce a punishment when there was no offense committed,” Senator Kawu stated.
On the other hand, the NNPP leadership in Kano stood by its decision, with Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa accusing the suspended lawmakers of betraying the party’s trust. He specifically criticized Senator Kawu for inviting key APC members to his daughter’s wedding and other events, describing it as a clear indication of disloyalty.
“These individuals were elected into the National Assembly under the NNPP platform, yet they have chosen to betray the trust placed in them by the party. Their actions contradict the principles and tenets of our party, and as such, we are left with no choice but to take disciplinary action,” Dungurawa said.
Despite the harsh tone, Dungurawa left room for reconciliation, stating that the suspended members could be reinstated if they acknowledged their mistakes and sought forgiveness.
“If they realize their errors and come back to the party with genuine remorse, we will consider reinstating them,” he added.
As of press time, Senator Kawu Sumaila and the other suspended members have not formally responded to the allegations or the party’s decision. The unfolding crisis highlights the deepening divisions within the NNPP and raises questions about the party’s future as it grapples with internal conflicts and leadership challenges.
The public and political observers are now watching closely to see how the situation will evolve, particularly as the suspended lawmakers continue to resist the party’s decision and rally support for their cause. The outcome of this crisis could have significant implications for the NNPP’s unity and its ability to remain a viable political force in Kano State and beyond.
