By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 4, 2026
New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) says it will withstand its internal crisis in Kano State, following the dissolution of all party structures amid speculation that Governor Abba Yusuf may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The assurance was given by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, amid a deepening rift between the NNPP National Leader and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Governor Yusuf.
On Friday, the NNPP’s National Working Committee (NWC) dissolved the party’s state executive, as well as all local government and ward leadership structures in Kano, citing constitutional breaches and internal instability.
Speaking on a TV programme on Saturday, Johnson said the decision was aimed at restoring order, safeguarding the party’s constitution.
“Indeed, we believe and know that we will survive, no matter what happens. Unfortunately, we’ve had issues in Kano State,” Johnson said.
He explained that the crisis stemmed from attempts by some party members to remove the NNPP state chairman through what the national leadership described as unconstitutional procedures.
“Some members attempted to suspend or remove the state chairman, but our constitution does not allow an officer at the state level to be removed from his ward. It was an illegality,” he said.
According to Johnson, the national leadership concluded that dissolving all party structures from the state to ward level was the most effective way to stabilize the situation.
“The party felt that the best thing at the present moment was to dissolve all executive structures from state level down to the ward level,” he said, adding that caretaker committees would be constituted in the coming days to manage party affairs in the state.
Addressing concerns that the move could accelerate Governor Yusuf’s reported plans to defect to the APC, Johnson dismissed the speculation.
“I do not believe that anything we did or could have done would accelerate the action of the Governor,” he said.
Johnson also referenced public claims by a senior aide to the Governor, suggesting that both Governor Yusuf and Senator Kwankwaso were considering a move to the APC, an assertion Kwankwaso has publicly denied.
He said the party acted pre-emptively, following those reports to prevent further instability.
“The party found it necessary to take preventative action to ensure stability in Kano State,” Johnson said.
While acknowledging internal divisions, Johnson said the NNPP leadership believes it is not the appropriate time for defections, particularly as national-level political negotiations are ongoing.
“Negotiations are ongoing at the national level, have reached advanced stages with several political blocs,” he said.
Johnson added that political realignments are common at this stage of the electoral cycle, noting that 2027 primaries and campaigns are approaching.
“This is a time for parties to strengthen their bases, and the NNPP is no different,” he said.
He stressed that the party’s national leadership would not allow factions to operate independently of its central authority.
“If some parts of the party act outside the confines of national leadership, the leadership must take steps to maintain stability,” Johnson said.
On the party’s 2027 strategy, Johnson said no final decision had been taken on whether Kwankwaso would contest the presidency, noting that consultations were ongoing.
He expressed confidence that upcoming meetings planned for late January or February would position the party more firmly, ahead of the next general elections.
