Alhaji Sani Danmasani, National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has affirmed that Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State is the party’s legitimate leader, not Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Danmasani explained in a statement on Tuesday that, according to the NNPP constitution, the party’s sole governor automatically assumes the role of party leader.
The NNPP official noted that Kwankwaso was the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, a role that concluded after the elections and the expiration of the Memorandum of Association between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement.
“It is widely known that key members of the Kwankwasiya Movement, including Kwankwaso, were later expelled from the party for activities contrary to NNPP’s principles,” he said.
Danmasani expressed concern over ongoing references to Kwankwaso as the party leader, stressing that such misinformation has prompted him to clarify the matter publicly.
“We reiterate that any negotiations for 2027 alliances involving Kwankwaso or the Kwankwasiya Movement are valid only if conducted outside 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 authorised to negotiate on behalf of the NNPP.
“Any discussions conducted outside this framework are null and void. Kwankwaso and his group may join another party or form a new one, but they are no longer members of the NNPP,” he said.
Danmasani also urged Kwankwaso to avoid using the NNPP name to make claims or criticisms against the ruling party or the presidency.
He reaffirmed that President Bola Tinubu is not responsible for the nation’s challenges, particularly in security and the economy, and stressed that foreign partnerships under the Renewed Hope Agenda aim to restore Nigeria’s potential.
The NNPP vice chairman called on the media to correctly refer to Kwankwaso as a former senator, former governor of Kano State, and 2023 presidential candidate, but not as the NNPP leader.
He added that ongoing judicial reviews are expected to compel INEC to update its official records to reflect the accurate leadership of the party.