The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has attributed the loss of Kano's governorship to former party member Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing him of compromising the party's interests in exchange for a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu's government. The Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal recently invalidated the election of NNPP candidate Yusuf Abba, declaring Nasir Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
The tribunal's decision was based on the finding that the margin of votes received by the NNPP was invalid and did not comply with the 2022 electoral act. The tribunal deducted 165,663 votes from the NNPP, considering them as invalid due to the lack of proper stamping or signing on the ballot papers.
Alhaji Abass Akande Onilewura, a NNPP chieftain in the Southwest, contended that Kwankwaso's alleged anti-party activities were responsible for the party's loss in Kano. He claimed that Kwankwaso had not followed the appropriate procedures in selecting the party's gubernatorial candidates, resulting in the nomination of unpopular or unacceptable candidates.
Onilewura further accused Kwankwaso of engaging with the APC, which eventually led to the discovery of vulnerabilities that were exploited to secure victory for the opposition. He expressed disappointment over Kwankwaso's actions, emphasizing the party's commitment to protecting itself from individuals more concerned with personal gain.
The NNPP's reaction underscores the internal strife and allegations of betrayal within political parties in Nigeria's dynamic political landscape. Kwankwaso's alleged role in the loss of Kano's governorship highlights the complexity and power struggles within political organizations, especially during election seasons
