"PNP Absent in Kano State, Asserted by NNPP Leadership"
In the political landscape of Kano State, Nigeria, a significant shift is underway. The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Hashim Dungurawa, has declared that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is politically finished [1].
The PDP, traditionally a dominant force in Kano, is currently grappling with internal challenges and defections. The rising influence of alternative political forces and leadership uncertainties have weakened the party, causing it to lose ground to parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) [1].
The high-profile defections from the PDP, including its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, have played a significant role in this dynamic [1]. Atiku Abubakar has since joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Okowa has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) [1].
The PDP's internal crises are further compounded by shifting alliances in Kano. The political moves of former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who contested under the NNPP in 2023 and secured a large vote share largely in Kano, have challenged the PDP’s traditional dominance in the state [1]. Currently, factions within the NNPP itself are divided over alliances and strategies, adding to the political complexity [1].
Broader national moves, such as the PDP postponing its National Elective Convention from August to November 2025, and deciding to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, may also indirectly affect the party’s dynamics and cohesion in northern states like Kano, where regional political identities and alliances are crucial [2].
Dungurawa, the NNPP chairman, has criticised the PDP's leadership, stating that they are not ready to come back to Kano or Nigeria, and are instead focused on victimisation, witch-hunting, mischief, sycophancy, and not aiming for victory [1]. He has also dismissed the PDP's claims of bouncing back and forming a formidable force, saying they are "bouncing out of the field" [1].
On the other hand, Dungurawa has praised the NNPP government under Governor Abba Yusuf, stating that it has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to development and transparency [1]. He pointed out the state's ongoing settlement of pension debts as proof of responsible financial management, clearing N27 billion out of ₦48 billion in pension arrears in under two years [1].
The Nassarawa flyover, built under the NNPP administration, has already reduced traffic snarls for travellers from Kaduna and surrounding areas, according to Dungurawa [1]. However, he criticised infrastructure projects built under previous administrations, particularly the Dangi underpass, calling it "a hall of concrete with no traffic justification" [1].
In conclusion, Dungurawa believes that the PDP is not organised and lacks influential figures, as key figures like Amaechi and Wike have left the party [1]. He argued that current projects under the NNPP are need-based and strategically designed to solve real problems, such as congestion [1]. The NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement, led by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, currently appear to be the only significant political entities in Kano State [1].
- In the political sphere of Kano State, Nigeria, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chair, Hashim Dungurawa, asserts that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its political strength.
- The PDP, historically dominant in Kano, is struggling with internal disputes and losses, allowing parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to gain ground.
- High-profile defectors from the PDP, such as its 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, have significantly impacted the party's position.
- Former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso's political moves, who contested under the NNPP in 2023, have challenged the PDP’s traditional dominance in Kano.
- The PDP's leadership has been criticized by Dungurawa for lack of readiness to return to Kano or Nigeria, focusing on victimisation, witch-hunting, and sycophancy instead of seeking victory.
- Dungurawa praises the NNPP government under Governor Abba Yusuf for their commitment to development, transparency, and financially responsible management, as evidenced by the clearing of N27 billion out of ₦48 billion in pension arrears in under two years.
- Infrastructure projects, such as the Nassarawa flyover, built under the NNPP administration, have improved traffic flow, while projects built under previous administrations, like the Dangi underpass, have been deemed unnecessary.
- With key figures like Amaechi and Wike leaving the PDP, Dungurawa believes that the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement, led by former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, are the only significant political entities in Kano State at present.
