By OBSERVERS TIMES.
A seismic shift has rocked the political landscape of Kano State, as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its once-formidable Kwankwasiyya movement face a cascade of defections, leaving the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at a critical crossroads. The exodus, led by key figures like Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, signals a dramatic realignment and casts a long shadow over Kwankwaso’s political future.
The Domino Effect: High-Profile Defections Spark Panic
The recent departure of Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, a prominent figure in Kano South, has sent shockwaves through the NNPP. His public appearance alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent meetings with APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, strongly suggest an imminent move to the ruling party. This defection is not an isolated incident.
A growing list of NNPP stalwarts has followed suit, including:
- Rep. Kabiru Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure)
- Rep. Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Karaye/Rogo)
- Former Kano State Secretary to the Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi
- Former House of Representatives members Hon. Badamasi Ayuba and Hon. Sha’aban Sharada
- Former state assembly member Zubairu Hamza Masu
- Former NNPP commissioners Muhammad Diggol and Abbas Sani Abbas
- Yusuf Galambi, the NNPP’s only house of representative member from Jigawa state.
Dr. Ganduje, seizing the moment, has boldly declared that more NNPP lawmakers are poised to join the APC, painting a picture of a party in terminal decline. “They’ve seen the handwriting on the wall,” Ganduje stated, emphasizing the APC’s dominance as the “only viable platform” for serious politicians.
Kwankwaso’s Crossroads: Rebuild or Retreat?
The mass defections have ignited intense speculation about Kwankwaso’s next move. Will he attempt to salvage the remnants of the NNPP, rebuild its fractured grassroots, or seek refuge in another political camp? The prospect of a return to the APC, a party he once vehemently criticized, looms large, raising questions about political pragmatism versus ideological consistency.
The Ganduje Factor: A Potential Stumbling Block
A crucial element in this political drama is the relationship between Kwankwaso and Ganduje. Any potential return to the APC would require navigating the complex dynamics of Ganduje’s leadership. Analysts suggest that President Tinubu might be considering an alternative strategy, possibly offering Ganduje an ambassadorial role, to smooth Kwankwaso’s re-entry.
Counter Narratives and Denials
However, Kwankwaso’s close associate, Engineer Buba Galadima, has vehemently denied any plans for a return to the APC. Galadima dismissed Ganduje’s claims as political grandstanding, asserting that Kwankwaso has “nothing to do with Ganduje’s APC.” He has also denied rumors of a coalition with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, under the SDP.
Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, the NNPP state chairman in Kano, downplayed the defections, stating that only Senator Kawu Sumaila has officially left the party. He also dismissed the defectors as adding no value to the party.
Historical Context and Political Implications
Kwankwaso’s political journey, marked by shifts between the PDP, APC, and NNPP, underscores the fluidity of Nigerian politics. His ability to navigate this latest crisis will significantly impact his legacy and the future of his political movement.
Analyzing the Fallout: The Road to 2027
Political analyst Dr. Kabiru Sufi emphasizes the critical choices facing Kwankwaso. Rebuilding the NNPP’s grassroots or forging new alliances in a different party presents formidable challenges. The upcoming 2027 general elections will be a crucial test of Kwankwaso’s political resilience and the enduring power of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
As the political dust settles, one question remains: Can Kwankwaso reclaim his political footing, or will the defections mark the beginning of the end for his influence in Kano and beyond?
