The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano state is currently embroiled in a significant political crisis, marked by leadership disputes, internal divisions, and high-level defections. These developments have led to judicial intervention, the dissolution of the entire state executive structure, and notable absences from key public events, underscoring a period of profound instability for the party.

At the heart of the initial turmoil was the suspension of Hashimu Dungurawa, who had served as the state chairman of the NNPP. On December 30, following his re-election just two weeks prior, executives from the Gargari ward in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area took the decisive step to sack and expel Dungurawa. A total of 27 executive members accused him of fostering divisions within the party, instigating internal crises, denigrating Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, and failing to remit party dues. Subsequently, Abdullahi Abiya was appointed as the acting state chairman. The matter escalated to the judiciary, where a Kano high court, presided over by Justice Zuwaira Yusuf, affirmed Dungurawa's suspension. In a motion ex parte dated December 30, 2025, filed by Shuaibu Hassan and nine others, the court issued an interlocutory injunction, restraining Dungurawa from presenting himself as the NNPP Kano state chairman until the final determination of the case. The court mandated both parties to maintain the status quo as of December 30, 2025, with a substantive motion hearing scheduled for January 19, 2026.

In a broader response to the escalating crisis, the national working committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party announced the total dissolution of all its executive committees across Kano state, encompassing structures from the state level down to the wards. This decision, communicated by Ladipo Johnson, the national publicity secretary, was stated to be in accordance with the party’s constitution. The NWC emphasized that this drastic measure was intended to pave the way for the appointment of interim caretaker committees, which would be announced in due course. The party expressed its gratitude to all members who had served in the dissolved structures, acknowledging their contributions. This restructuring effort is aimed at strengthening the party’s machinery in Kano and preparing it for future political engagements, implicitly acknowledging the deep-seated issues facing the state chapter.

Further compounding the party’s woes are speculations surrounding Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s political future and the notable absence of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the NNPP, from the 2026 New Year celebration. This event, which Kwankwaso initiated during his second gubernatorial tenure, was presided over by Governor Yusuf. Sources suggest Kwankwaso’s absence was a protest against the governor’s alleged secret discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu about defecting to the ruling party before the upcoming party congress, despite Kwankwaso's explicit warnings against such a move. The large crowd at the Filin Mahaha ground, chanting Kwankwaso and Kwankwasiyya slogans, visibly expressed disappointment at the former governor's non-attendance. Amidst this political drama, Governor Yusuf used the New Year ceremony to declare 2026 as "the year of Kano youths," promising significant progress and development, including job opportunities, peaceful coexistence, and educational advancement. These developments unfold against a backdrop of related news, including claims by Kano APC that it is prepared to welcome Kwankwaso back, and calls from within NNPP for Governor Yusuf to remain in the party, labeling a potential defection as a "betrayal."