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Why GILBERT AGBO & Co. Are Against Him
There is a big crisis going on within the New Nigeria’s People Party (NNPP) at the moment, and the NNPP presidential flag bearer, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is at the center of it all. As you read this, Kwankwaso’s leadership position in the party is being threatened. He has been put under immense pressure by top chieftains of the party who have totally turned their backs against him. Some members, including high ranking officers of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Niger State have rejected the leadership of its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, within the party.
Dr. Gilbert Agbo, the factional National Chairman who spearheaded the anti-Kwankwasiya initiative at the party’s secretariat in Minna, asserted that Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya faction pose significant threats to the party’s advancement and survival.
During the North Central Zonal meeting in Minna, Agbo stated that Kwankwaso’s suspension by the National Working Committee in Lagos nullified his membership and influence within the party. Agbo also oversaw the burning of the Kwankwasiya group’s distinctive red caps at the party’s state secretariat, indicating a definitive break from Kwankwaso’s faction.
Furthermore, he announced that Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf of Kano State is expected to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee due to his failure to adhere to the party’s principles and authority. In response to these developments, Mallam Danladi Umar Abdulhamid, the leader of the Kwankwasiya Movement in Niger State, contended that Agbo’s position as national chairman is illegitimate, claiming that the actions taken serve his personal agenda rather than the interests of the party members. Abdulhamid affirmed that Kwankwaso continues to be recognized as the national leader of the party under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Ajuji.
But City People findings revealed that it is not only the Dr. Gilbert Agbo faction of the NNPP that is up in arms against Kwankwaso. There is also another prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, who is presently displeased with the leadership of Rabiu Kwankwaso. He has sharply criticized Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s standard bearer at the last elections following the recent suspension of Kano State’s Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Bappah Bichi.
Speaking to the press in Kano, Ilyasu Kwankwaso claimed that the suspension of Dr. Bichi vindicated his longstanding assertions about Rabiu Kwankwaso’s alleged political maneuvering. He described the NNPP leader as a “political merchant” who is willing to eliminate any perceived opposition to achieve his goals.
“The suspension of the SSG proves that my impressions of Kwankwaso are correct. He has shown that he is ready to deal ruthlessly with anyone who crosses his path in his desperate pursuit of political ambition,” the APC chieftain stated.
Kwankwaso also disputed Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s claim that the suspension of the SSG was carried out solely by NNPP State Chairman, Hon. Hashim Dungurawa. He alleged that Rabiu Kwankwaso was the mastermind behind the suspension, positioning himself to exert greater control over Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“I have always said that Kwankwaso’s aim is to completely control the governor in pursuit of his 2027 presidential ambition. This is just the beginning. The SSG’s suspension is merely the tip of the iceberg; more prominent figures within the NNPP will face similar actions if Kwankwaso views them as threats,” he warned.
The APC chieftain expressed concern that Governor Yusuf’s political integrity could be compromised if he remains under Rabiu Kwankwaso’s influence. He advised the governor to assert his independence to safeguard his political future and the respect of the Kano electorate.
Kwankwaso also cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC against welcoming Rabiu Kwankwaso into their fold, warning that such a move could disrupt the party’s unity. “While the APC is open to new members, our leaders must be cautious of those who may undermine the progress of the party,” he said.
Few days ago, the battle to cut off Rabiu Kwankwaso’s tight grip on Governor Yusuf escalated as members who are for Kwankwaso and those who are against him began to confront each other. The rebellion marks the most significant challenge yet to Kwankwaso’s authority, with members demanding more independence for the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This crisis unfolded shortly after Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, and Muhammad Diggol, Commissioner for Transport, were suspended by party leaders on allegations of involvement in a splinter group promoting Yusuf’s autonomy from Kwankwaso’s influence. Bichi’s suspension underscored the party’s fraying internal alliances, with members loyal to Yusuf increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction.
Garzali Musa Muhammad, known as Garzali Obasanjo, has been leading a campaign for Yusuf’s independence. He said the campaign is gaining momentum among party loyalists. “We are the foot soldiers who fought for Kwankwasiyya, but it’s time we stop being slaves to one man,” he argued, adding that Yusuf deserves to lead freely.
But while the state government publicly moved to quell the unrest, two NNPP House of Representatives members from Kano, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure), publicly distanced themselves from Kwankwaso and the movement on Sunday, signalling a wider stretch of the dissatisfaction. This significant dissent follows Governor Yusuf’s alleged refusal to attend meetings with Kwankwaso and to take his calls, a development reported by an online publication.
The revolt among some NNPP members is partly rooted in what insiders describe as Kwankwaso’s tight control over the governor. Supporters of Yusuf argue that for the state government to function effectively, the governor must be free from Kwankwaso’s shadow.
Madakin Gini, who has been a loyal Kwankwasiyya foot soldier, criticised the lack of respect for long-term supporters, stating that, “Kwankwaso disregards loyalists, only seeking them out when he’s in trouble.” He also expressed concern that the governor was under pressure within the movement.
“My message to the governor is clear. They are trying to weaken him. I am urging him to stand firm; otherwise, he may be blindsided by those around him. I have insights into plans against him,” he said. But on Tuesday, the party’s executives in Yalwa Ward, Dala Local Government, announced the suspension of Madakin Gini.
According to a statement by the Ward Chairman, Aminu Inuwa Habib, the decision was reached unanimously by party executives, who have established a disciplinary committee to determine further action.
In response, Aminu Abdullahi, an aide to Madakin Gini, dismissed the suspension, claiming the lawmaker aligns with the NNPP faction led by the party’s Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Chief Boniface Aniebonam.
But some leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and others have been blaming the All Progressives Congress (APC) for fuelling the discord in the NNPP.
Yahaya Umar Bagobiri, an associate of Kwankwaso, claimed that the APC, wary of the NNPP’s strength, has taken deliberate steps to create rifts within opposition parties ahead of the next general elections. “It’s the handwork of the APC,” Bagobiri, who remained in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Kwankwaso’s exit, insisted. He suggested that APC operatives have sought to weaken the NNPP and other major opposition groups. He contended that this was part of a larger plan by the APC to ensure voters are left with weakened choices come election time.
Bagobiri also pointed to the legal challenges surrounding the NNPP’s rebranding, including a recent court ruling that prevented changes to the party’s logo. “Kwankwaso tried to change the logo to one with a book and a pen. This could backfire if the court invalidates NNPP candidates’ positions due to these branding issues,” he warned.
Amid these accusations and internal discord, the Kano State House of Assembly has firmly denied any factionalism within the NNPP. Lawan Husseini, the House Majority Leader, dismissed reports of a split, describing them as “fabricated stories by the opposition.” He accused opposition members of attempting to sow discord to distract Governor Yusuf from his duties.
“We, honourable members, are fully loyal to Sen. Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf,” Husseini emphasised, insisting that the bond between Kwankwaso and Yusuf remains intact. Salisu Yahaya Hotoro, a senior special adviser to Governor Yusuf, echoed this stance, dismissing any notion of a fallout between Yusuf and Kwankwaso.
“Any assertions of a rift are exaggerated,” he stated, highlighting the respectful working relationship between the two leaders. Hotoro reassured the public that Governor Yusuf remains committed to the ideals of the NNPP and urged restraint in circulating unverified claims that could destabilise the party.
Ibrahim S. Adam, a personal assistant to Kwankwaso, also denied reports of discord, citing recent joint appearances of the two leaders. He noted that Yusuf attended Kwankwaso’s birthday celebration and other recent events, evidence, he claimed, of their ongoing collaboration. “This propaganda is the work of the APC in Kano, unhappy with Governor Yusuf’s accomplishments,” Adam contended.
The APC, however, brushed aside accusations of interference.
Ahmad Aruwa, the APC spokesman in Kano, asserted that the NNPP’s issues are its own to handle.
“The NNPP should focus on governing Kano instead of blaming the APC. We don’t have time for these distractions; they need to address their own problems,” he said. Nevertheless, divisions persist within the NNPP, with some members continuing to challenge Kwankwaso’s dominance.
Garzali Obasanjo vowed to keep pushing for Yusuf’s independence, stating, “The movement’s call is manifesting. Kwankwaso must realise his errors and let Abba govern as the people elected him to do.”
He suggested that Governor Yusuf’s success depends on him breaking away from Kwankwaso’s control and standing on his own.
(Additional information from Daily Trust)
