The National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Sani Danmasani, has asserted that Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, not Rabiu Kwankwaso, is the legitimate leader of the party.
Danmasani explained that, according to the NNPP constitution, the sitting governor automatically assumes leadership of the party.
According to him, Kwankwaso, who contested as the NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023, is no longer officially linked to the party following the expiration of the Memorandum of Association between the NNPP and his Kwankwasiya Movement.
“It is no secret that some key members of the Kwankwasiya Movement, including Kwankwaso, were later expelled from the NNPP for anti-party activities,” Danmasani stated.
His clarification comes amid reports that Kwankwaso has been engaging in political alliance talks under the NNPP banner.
Danmasani dismissed these discussions as illegitimate, adding, “Negotiations for 2027 alliances involving Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiya Movement are acceptable only if they are not conducted under the NNPP platform.
“Only Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, founder and life member of the Board of Trustees, and the National Executive Committee led by Dr. Agbo Gilbert are authorized to negotiate on behalf of the party. Any other arrangements are null and void.”
He further emphasized that Kwankwaso and his supporters are free to join another party or form a new one, adding
“They were expelled and remain expelled. They should either join another party or start their own.”
Danmasani also appealed to Kwankwaso to stop using the NNPP name to criticize the ruling party, stressing that President Bola Tinubu is not responsible for the nation’s current insecurity and economic challenges.
“With the support of friends like the United States and Israel, Nigeria can achieve greatness once again.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration acknowledges the challenges the country faces as it takes office,” he added.
In the same vein, he called on the media to refer to Kwankwaso appropriately as a former senator, former Kano governor, and the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate but “not its leader”.
Danmasani expressed hope that the ongoing judicial review will compel INEC to update its records accordingly.
‘Gov Yusuf NNPP leader, not Kwankwaso’ – North-West vice chair, Danmasani
