NNPP crisis: Kano Gov Yusuf ignores Kwankwaso’s calls, meetings

NNPP crisis: Kano Gov Yusuf ignores Kwankwaso’s calls, meetings

The political crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has deepened as Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor and party godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are said not to be on talking terms.

Tensions have escalated with Kwankwaso taking critical party and local government decisions without input from the governor, newstrends learnt.

These include appointment of local government chairmen and influencing the party’s political machinery, which has fueled growing resentment within the governor’s camp.

An inside source was quoted as saying, “Abba (Gov Yusuf) does not want to denigrate Kwankwaso, but he truly wants to be independent. Ninety per cent of the commissioners were imposed by Kwankwaso, and Abba is still working with them. This shows he still respects him.

“For a long time, Abba wanted to drop some commissioners who are either incompetent or disloyal to him, but out of respect for Kwankwaso, he reluctantly accommodates them for peace to reign.”

A report by Daily Nigerian says except for the governor’s appearance at Kwankwaso’s birthday celebrations on October 21, where the godfather used the opportunity to corner the governor at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport lounge, the duo had not met or spoken in recent months.

It was also learnt that the governor shunned meetings convened by Kwankwaso at his Miller Road and Maitama residences in Kano and Abuja respectively.

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“He (Governor Yusuf) earlier agreed to attend the Miller Road meeting at night but he kept Kwankwaso waiting through midnight and refused to come,” an insider said.

Kwankwaso’s efforts to meet or speak directly with the governor we’re frustrated.

The NNPP leader on some occasions reportedly made further futile attempts through the governor’s ADC and private secretary.

When attempts to see the governor failed, the NNPP leader allegedly sent an emissary to convey his directive to sack the SSG, who is believed to be the architect of the governor’s rebellion.

After Kwankwaso’s directive for the SSG’s sack fell on the governor’s deaf ears, the chairman of the NNPP in Kano, Hashimu Dungurawa, on October 14, announced the dismissal of the SSG and Commissioner for Transport over alleged anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, several high-profile NNPP figures, including lawmakers and commissioners, are said to be aligning with the governor.

Some are reportedly negotiating a potential defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

NNPP crisis: Kano Gov Yusuf ignores Kwankwaso’s calls, meetings