Kano NNPP Chief: APC Powerless Without Kwankwaso in 2027

The chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has launched a fierce critique of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), boldly claiming that the party entirely lacks the political power to secure victory in the 2027 general elections unless it strategically leverages the massive influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking at the NNPP state headquarters, Dungurawa asserted that the APC at both the state and national levels has fundamentally “lost focus and direction,” which he believes is the underlying reason why its leaders are reportedly making repeated overtures to the influential former Kano Governor.

“These APC people are weak and confused,” Dungurawa stated with conviction. “They know without Kwankwaso, they will not win in 2027. They keep telling the public they are in talks with him. They need him.” He, however, insisted that Kwankwaso’s recent high-profile meetings with various political figures are merely coincidental and not linked to any formal alliance talks, asserting that the Senator’s sole focus remains the welfare of Nigerian citizens. While conceding that reconciliation is always possible in politics, the chairman stressed that the NNPP is confident in its standalone strength.

Dungurawa took the opportunity to address persistent questions regarding the NNPP’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where the party’s candidate garnered only about 500,000 votes in Kano despite claims of overwhelming popularity. He explained that the party was only seven months old at the time, facing challenges such as a logo that was not clearly printed on the ballot papers and low public awareness. Despite these hurdles, he noted the party still managed to secure crucial seats in Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states. He promised that the party’s newly redesigned logo and wider acceptance would make the 2027 election a completely different story.

Looking ahead to the upcoming internal congresses, the NNPP chairman painted a picture of internal strength and stability. He noted that most current executives are expected to retain their positions in line with the NNPP constitution, which allows leaders to serve two terms unless they defect, die, or face disciplinary issues. “We believe in continuity and loyalty,” he affirmed. Furthermore, he announced that the party would be holding by-elections next month to replace three councillors who passed away in Garin, Dala, and Doguwa Local Government Areas.

The chairman also took the opportunity to praise the incumbent NNPP administration in the state, lauding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s 2026 budget for its unprecedented focus on education and agriculture. He commended the government for what he called visible infrastructural transformation across Kano State. In contrast, Dungurawa criticized the former administration led by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing it of neglecting education, scholarships, and crucial pension payments.

Finally, he dismissed concerns over recent defections from the party. He claimed that only one federal lawmaker had voluntarily left the NNPP, stating that others had already been suspended before their exits. He confidently stated that the party was not worried about losing people with “difficult character,” drawing a vivid analogy: “NNPP is like a royal suite, some may go to a standard room, but they will eventually realise the difference.” He also dismissed claims that former civil servant Jamilu Kabir Bichi had left the party, stating he was “never NNPP in the first place.” Dungurawa concluded by urging all NNPP members to stay united and prepare for a stronger and more strategic party campaign leading into the 2027 elections.