APC can’t win 2027 without Kwankwaso, NNPP boasts

The Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the political strength to win the 2027 elections without relying on the influence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, Dungurawa asserted that the APC has “lost focus and direction” at both state and national levels, which he cited as the reason for their repeated overtures to Kwankwaso.

“The APC is weak and confused. They know that without Kwankwaso, they cannot win in 2027,” Dungurawa stated. “They are the ones constantly telling the public they are in talks with him because they need him. However, Senator Kwankwaso is solely focused on the welfare of Nigerians.”

While acknowledging that reconciliation is always possible in politics, Dungurawa insisted that Kwankwaso’s recent meetings with various political figures were merely coincidental and not indicative of any formal alliance talks.

Addressing the NNPP’s performance in the 2023 presidential election in Kano, where its candidate received about 500,000 votes despite claims of massive popularity, Dungurawa attributed this to the party’s newness.

He explained that the party was only seven months old at the time, its logo was not clearly printed on the ballot, and voter awareness was low.

Despite these challenges, he highlighted that the party still won legislative seats in Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states, promising a “different story” in 2027 with a redesigned logo and wider acceptance.

Dungurawa expressed confidence in the party’s internal strength ahead of its upcoming congresses, indicating that most executives would retain their positions in line with the NNPP’s constitution, which allows for two terms.

He downplayed recent defections, stating that only one federal lawmaker left voluntarily, while others had already been suspended.

He dismissed the departures as inconsequential, using an analogy: “NNPP is like a royal suite; some may go to a standard room, but they will eventually realise the difference.”

He also denied claims that former civil servant Jamilu Kabir Bichi had defected, stating he was never a member of the party.

The chairman praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s 2026 budget, describing its focus on education and agriculture as “unprecedented” and commending the visible infrastructural transformation across the state.

In contrast, he heavily criticized the former governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing his administration of neglecting education, scholarships, and pension payments.

Dungurawa concluded by urging NNPP members to remain united, promising a “stronger and more strategic party” ready for the 2027 elections. He also announced upcoming by-elections to replace three councillors who passed away in various local government areas.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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