The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, over allegations of engaging in anti-party activities. The party also took similar action against three House of Representatives members from Kano State for the same reason.
The affected lawmakers include Abdullahi Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), Abdullahi Rurum (Rano/Kibiya Federal Constituency), and Ali Maadakin Gini (Dala Federal Constituency).
Political Tensions Escalate
The suspension was announced barely a day after the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, hinted that a senator and some key NNPP members were on the verge of defecting to the ruling party.
Ganduje made this claim on Sunday while distributing vehicles and motorcycles to APC members in Kano. The empowerment initiative was sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The growing political rift was further highlighted on Saturday when Ganduje attended the maiden convocation of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, a private institution owned by Senator Kawu Sumaila. Notably, NNPP members were absent from the event, which coincided with the senator’s daughter’s wedding.
NNPP Justifies Disciplinary Action
At a press conference, Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, defended the decision, stating that the lawmakers had engaged in “gross misconduct” that warranted disciplinary measures.
Dungurawa expressed disappointment, saying these politicians were given opportunities in NNPP after being marginalized in APC, yet they have now betrayed the party’s trust.
Factional Chairman Rejects Suspension
However, a factional leader of the NNPP in Kano, Senator Mas’ud El-Jibril Doguwa, dismissed the suspension as meaningless.
Doguwa argued that Dungurawa lacked the authority to impose disciplinary measures, claiming that he remains the legitimate NNPP chairman in the state.
He further stated that the affected lawmakers are still valid members of NNPP under its “fruit basket” logo, which is officially recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Doguwa, the fact that Senator Sumaila and the others no longer align with Kwankwasiyya does not mean they have lost their NNPP membership.
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