The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Suleiman Hashimu Dungurawa, has dismissed growing speculation suggesting that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking with journalists in Kano on Monday, Dungurawa described such claims as the result of miscalculations by politicians who feel threatened by Kwankwaso’s political stature and the strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“Kwankwaso is not one of those politicians who make hasty decisions without careful analysis,” Dungurawa said. “Don’t forget, Kwankwaso today is the political leader of Northern Nigeria, and every politician, especially in this region, is looking up to him. So it is malicious to say he is decamping for now.”
He questioned the growing concern among political actors over Kwankwaso’s next move. “Why are Nigerian politicians panicking about Kwankwaso’s movements? Let them calm down. The time for decisions has not yet come. We are too calculative to act without due consideration.”
Responding to questions about Kwankwaso’s recent engagements with individuals from other political camps, Dungurawa stated, “As a politician with a PhD in the field, do you expect him to hide or avoid people? He can talk to anybody, and that is normal. It doesn’t imply anything.”
He further addressed concerns from some supporters who appeared uncertain about Kwankwaso’s political direction. “Those jittery about where he is going are pretending to be his followers. The genuine ones know that Kwankwaso never takes decisions without consulting widely, even down to ward-level supporters.”
On the performance of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the NNPP chairman commended his administration, stating that the opposition has been largely silenced by the scale of infrastructural development under his leadership.
“Governor Yusuf’s achievements in infrastructure have overwhelmed the opposition. They cannot even show their presence anywhere in Kano. That is why we are proud of what he is doing,” Dungurawa added.
