The story of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State reflects a rapid political rise followed by an equally swift decline shaped by internal shifts and changing alliances.
The party, which secured a sweeping electoral victory in 2023, has since witnessed the exit of key figures who once defined its strength and direction in the state.
In early 2026, the governor of Kano, Abba Yusuf, moved from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), taking along several political office holders across the state structure.
Shortly after, the former governor of Kano and NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also left the party and joined the African Democratic Congress, marking a major shift in the political equation.
Foundations Of Electoral Success
The NNPP’s victory in Kano during the 2023 elections was largely driven by a centralised structure built around Kwankwaso’s political influence
That structure, widely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, mobilised grassroots support across the state and delivered electoral wins at multiple levels.
With Yusuf as the candidate, the party secured the governorship, gained control of the state legislature, and extended its reach into local government councils.
Rise Of A Loyal Associate
The relationship between Kwankwaso and Yusuf played a central role in the party’s success in Kano politics.
Yusuf’s political journey included roles such as personal assistant and later commissioner under Kwankwaso’s administration, reflecting a long-standing association.
Their collaboration continued into electoral contests, including the 2019 governorship race under the Peoples Democratic Party, which did not result in victory.
However, a shift to the NNPP in 2022 provided a new platform, leading to Yusuf’s emergence as governor in 2023 after defeating the APC candidate, Nasir Gawuna.
Legal disputes followed the election, with lower courts initially overturning the result before the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld Yusuf’s mandate in 2024.
For a period, governance and political mobilisation appeared aligned, with Yusuf managing state affairs and Kwankwaso maintaining influence within the movement.
Emerging Divisions Within The Party
By late 2025, reports of internal disagreements began to surface within the NNPP structure in Kano.
Speculation grew around Yusuf’s potential alignment with the APC, prompting reactions from party figures loyal to Kwankwaso.
The state chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, raised concerns over possible defections, describing such moves as inconsistent with the expectations of party supporters.
The situation escalated as rival groups within the party engaged in suspensions and counter-actions involving leadership positions.
At one point, competing factions installed different officials, leading to disputes that required intervention from the national leadership.
The national working committee attempted to dissolve the state structure, but this decision was later challenged in court.
In January 2026, a state high court ruled against the dissolution and directed parties to maintain existing arrangements pending further proceedings.
Leadership Crisis And Institutional Strain
At the national level, differences in leadership claims further complicated the situation within the NNPP.
The party’s founder, Boniface Aniebonam, clarified that individual decisions did not necessarily represent the position of the entire party.
These developments highlighted the extent to which internal disagreements had begun to affect the party’s cohesion.
Deputy Governor Controversy
The tensions extended into the state government, where the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
Reports indicated that the move was linked to political disagreements, particularly over alignment with emerging party shifts.
Before the process could be concluded, Gwarzo resigned from his position, bringing the episode to an abrupt end.
The NNPP, through its spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, expressed concern over the situation, describing it as part of the broader internal crisis.
Departure Of Key Figure
A major turning point came when Kwankwaso formally exited the NNPP and joined the ADC in March 2026.
During his announcement, he stated, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with immediate effect.”
He also added, “I seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the honour and privilege of serving as the party’s national leader and its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.”
Kwankwaso described his decision as a strategic step and encouraged members of the Kwankwasiyya movement to align with his new political direction.
Consequences For Party Structure
Following these developments, the NNPP’s presence in Kano weakened significantly.
The party no longer retained control of key state institutions, including the executive and legislative arms.
Its organisational base, once strengthened by grassroots mobilisation, became fragmented due to shifting loyalties.
Meanwhile, Yusuf, now operating within the APC, has focused on consolidating governance and strengthening his political base ahead of future elections.
Kwankwaso’s move to the ADC has also drawn attention to possible realignments among opposition figures at the national level.
Reflections On Political Dynamics
The trajectory of the NNPP in Kano illustrates the influence of individual leadership within party structures.
Its rapid rise was closely tied to a central figure and a strong mobilisation network, while its decline followed the departure of those elements.
The developments underscore how internal cohesion, institutional strength, and leadership continuity can shape the sustainability of political parties over time.
