The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, Senator Masud El-Jibril Doguwa, leader of the “basket and full of fruits” faction, has announced that the party will soon hold an emergency meeting following the defection of several prominent members.
On Thursday, a number of senior NNPP figures defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among them were Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila of Kano South, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly and current House of Representatives member for Rano/Bunkure/Kibiya, Sha’aban Sharada, former representative of Kano Municipal, and Aliyu Gini, representative for Dala Federal Constituency.
Speaking to PUNCH on Friday, Doguwa said the defections were not unexpected, blaming the Kwankwasiyya faction for the internal strife that pushed members away.
“When I assumed leadership, I worked to unite the party, but the Kwankwasiyya group refused to recognize my authority, stalling progress,” he said.
Doguwa accused the Kwankwasiyya leaders of creating an atmosphere of unfair treatment and inequality, which he claimed led to the members’ frustrations and eventual departure.
He confirmed that plans are underway for an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address the situation and determine the party’s next steps.
Doguwa also rejected rumors that his faction was aligning with the APC, maintaining that the NNPP remains a strong, independent political platform.
Regarding the ongoing conflict between his faction and the Kwankwaso-led group, Doguwa insisted that his leadership is the one officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He described the Kwankwaso faction as “a group of individuals” but said his team is open to reconciliation and willing to work together to rebuild the party.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Doguwa said consultations for possible alliances are ongoing and stressed the party’s commitment to boosting its membership.
Commenting on the defections, Doguwa said, “Defections are a normal part of politics.
Even top political figures in Nigeria have changed parties at different times.”