The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano is facing political turbulence following a wave of defections by its prominent members. Yet, in a twist that could strengthen the party’s ideological backbone, 24 retired military officers of Kano origin have officially joined the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The former officers, who concluded 35 years of service in January 2025, pledged their full commitment to the movement’s ideals during a visit to Kwankwaso. Led by the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Scholarship Board, Kabiru Haruna, the delegation described their decision as a “bold and strategic alignment” with the goals of Kwankwasiyya.
Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate and NNPP leader, commended the officers for their patriotism and experience, noting that their expertise would strengthen the movement’s vision for a more inclusive and progressive Nigeria.
However, the celebration comes amid internal concerns for the NNPP, as several elected leaders have defected from the party since the 2023 elections. With over one million votes in play, Kano remains a high-stakes battleground for 2027, especially with the All Progressives Congress (APC) eager to reclaim the state after its 2023 loss.
APC’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, recently declared that the party would win Kano back, citing the defection of top NNPP figures as a positive sign. Observers believe the APC’s moves are part of a larger plan to destabilise the NNPP before the next general election.
Despite the pressure, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, insisted that Kwankwaso has no intention of joining the APC or aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
