The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have the political capacity to win the 2027 general elections without the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Addressing journalists at the NNPP state secretariat, Dungurawa argued that the APC had lost direction at both state and national levels, which, according to him, explains why its leaders “continue reaching out” to Kwankwaso.
“These APC people are weak and confused,” he said. “They understand that without Kwankwaso, they cannot win in 2027. They keep telling the public they’re in talks with him because they need him. But his only focus is the welfare of Nigerians.”
While acknowledging that reconciliation is always possible in politics, Dungurawa insisted that Kwankwaso’s recent meetings with political figures were purely coincidental and not part of any alliance discussions.
He dismissed claims that the former Kano governor was negotiating with the APC, stressing that no such talks were taking place.
Responding to questions about why Kwankwaso secured only about 500,000 votes in Kano during the 2023 presidential election despite his perceived popularity, Dungurawa explained that the NNPP was just seven months old at the time.
He noted that the party’s logo was poorly printed on the ballot, voter awareness was limited, and the NNPP was still emerging—yet it still won seats across Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Bauchi.
Dungurawa expressed confidence that the redesigned party logo and growing popularity of the NNPP would significantly reshape the 2027 contest.
He added that the party remains internally stable ahead of its upcoming congresses and that most executives are likely to retain their positions in line with the NNPP constitution.
Dungurawa explained that the NNPP constitution permits executives to serve two terms except in cases of defection, death, or disciplinary action. “We believe in continuity and loyalty,” he added.
He also revealed that by-elections would be held next month to fill the seats of three councillors who died in Garin, Dala, and Doguwa LGAs.
The NNPP chairman commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s 2026 budget proposal, describing its focus on education and agriculture as unprecedented. He further praised what he called visible infrastructural improvements across the state.
In contrast, Dungurawa criticised former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing his administration of neglecting the education sector, failing to pay scholarships, and abandoning pensioners.
Defections Don’t Shake Us – Dungurawa
Speaking on recent defections, Dungurawa said only one federal lawmaker left the NNPP voluntarily, insisting the others had already been suspended before their exit. He maintained that the party was unbothered by their departure.
“NNPP is like a royal suite; some may downgrade to a standard room, but they will eventually understand the difference,” he said.
He also refuted claims that former civil servant Jamilu Kabir Bichi had dumped the party, stating, “He was never NNPP to begin with.”
Dungurawa urged members to remain united and prepare for what he described as a more strategic and strengthened NNPP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed confidence that with its rebranded structure and rising national acceptance, the party would be a formidable contender in 2027.
