The crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) deepened.

The crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) deepened on Monday with the defection of two federal lawmakers from Kano State, who announced their decision to leave the party and sever ties with its leadership, particularly former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The move has further escalated the internal strife within the party, signaling potential long-term repercussions for its unity and future political prospects.

The lawmakers, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, who represents the Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, and Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada, the member representing the Kano North Federal Constituency, made their defection public during a joint press conference in Kano. Both lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the leadership style of Kwankwaso and the internal issues within the NNPP, which they argued had made it increasingly difficult for them to continue under the current circumstances.

The two members, who were elected into the National Assembly under the platform of the NNPP in the 2023 general elections, explained that their decision to leave the party was driven by several unresolved issues that had plagued the party’s internal structure. They specifically pointed to the autocratic nature of Kwankwaso’s leadership, which they claim had marginalized other key stakeholders and prevented effective communication within the party. Madaki and Sharada, who were once strong supporters of Kwankwaso’s political ideology, said they were disillusioned by the growing division and lack of inclusivity in the NNPP.

In their statements, both lawmakers emphasized that their departure was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but the result of prolonged frustration over the leadership dynamics within the NNPP. They accused Kwankwaso of running a one-man show, where key decisions were made without consulting other party members, thereby undermining the democratic ideals that the NNPP purports to champion. According to Madaki and Sharada, the party had failed to adequately address key national issues, and the inability to foster unity within the ranks had left them with no choice but to walk away.

The defections come at a particularly sensitive time for the NNPP, which has been struggling to maintain its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape since the 2023 elections. Despite making a strong showing in several northern states, including Kano, the party has been marred by internal squabbles and leadership crises that have hindered its ability to function as a cohesive political force. The rift within the NNPP is widely seen as a blow to Kwankwaso’s political stature, especially given that Kano State has long been a stronghold for his Kwankwasiyya movement, which has garnered significant popular support in the region.

Following the defections, both Madaki and Sharada have hinted at joining other political parties, with some speculation pointing to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a potential destination. However, neither lawmaker confirmed which party they would align with in the coming weeks. Political analysts suggest that the defections could signal a further weakening of Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano, as both Madaki and Sharada were seen as key figures in his political network. Their exit could leave a void that might be filled by other political players in the state.

Kwankwaso, who has been in the spotlight since the 2023 elections, responded to the defections by downplaying their significance. In a brief statement, he accused the lawmakers of being driven by personal ambitions and greed, and he suggested that their defection was motivated by an attempt to secure more political leverage. Kwankwaso’s response highlights the deepening polarization within the NNPP, with each faction pointing fingers at the other over the party’s troubles.

For the NNPP, the loss of two prominent lawmakers in Kano represents a major setback, especially considering the party’s efforts to consolidate its power and position itself as a viable alternative to the dominant political parties, the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The defections not only diminish the party’s strength in the National Assembly but also send a negative signal to potential supporters and stakeholders who may be considering joining the party.

The NNPP leadership will likely have to work hard to mend the rift and address the concerns of its remaining members, particularly in Kano, where the party has its strongest base. There is also the challenge of rebuilding trust within the party and ensuring that similar defections do not occur in other states.

Political observers have noted that the NNPP’s survival may depend on its ability to unite its factions and forge a more inclusive, consultative leadership approach. Without a change in direction, the party risks becoming increasingly irrelevant in Nigeria’s highly competitive political arena.

In conclusion, the defection of Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki and Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada marks a significant chapter in the ongoing crisis within the NNPP. The party is now faced with the daunting task of managing the fallout from this latest development while also seeking to regain its footing in the turbulent political waters of Nigeria. How the NNPP handles this crisis will likely determine its political future and the role it will play in the years to come.