APC cannot win 2027 elections without Senator Kwankwaso’s influence – Dungurawa
Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, the Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano State, has claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) lacks the requisite political power to secure victory in the 2027 general elections unless it strategically relies on the influence and political weight of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NNPP state headquarters, Dungurawa launched a critique of the ruling party, alleging that the APC, at both the state and national levels, has fundamentally lost focus and direction. He asserted that this perceived weakness is the sole reason behind the APC’s consistent attempts to engage and court Kwankwaso.
APC needs Kwankwaso but he remains focused on national welfare
Dungurawa characterized the rival party as politically frail and lacking cohesion. “These APC people are weak and confused. They know without Kwankwaso, they will not win in 2027,” he declared.
The chairman acknowledged the constant political messaging surrounding potential alliance talks but insisted that Kwankwaso’s recent meetings with various political figures were merely coincidental and not linked to any formal negotiations for an alliance. He maintained that Kwankwaso’s primary concern remains focused on the welfare of all Nigerians, rather than political opportunism. He did, however, concede that reconciliation remains a possibility in the dynamic realm of politics.
Addressing NNPP’s 2023 performance and 2027 strategy
Responding to persistent questions regarding the NNPP presidential candidate’s relatively modest vote tally of approximately 500,000 votes in Kano during the 2023 election, despite claims of massive local popularity, Dungurawa attributed the outcome to the party’s youth.
He explained that the NNPP was only seven months old at the time of the election, which created significant organizational challenges. These challenges included low political awareness among the populace and issues with the clarity of the party’s logo on the ballot paper. Despite these hurdles, he emphasized the party’s nascent strength, noting that the NNPP still managed to secure seats in key states including Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Bauchi.
Dungurawa expressed strong optimism for the upcoming election cycle, stating that the party’s redesigned logo and wider acceptance across the country would make 2027 a vastly different story.
Party stability and internal affairs
The Kano chairman also provided an update on the party’s internal cohesion ahead of its forthcoming congresses. He announced that most current executives are expected to retain their positions in line with the NNPP constitution, which supports continuity and loyalty by allowing executives to serve two terms unless they defect, die, or face disciplinary issues. He also announced that by-elections would be held next month to replace three deceased councillors in Garin, Dala, and Doguwa Local Government Areas.
Dungurawa dismissed claims of recent mass defections, stating that only one federal lawmaker had voluntarily left the NNPP, with others having been suspended prior to their exit. He framed the departures as inconsequential, comparing the NNPP to a “royal suite” whose defectors, going to a “standard room,” will eventually realize the difference. He also refuted claims regarding former civil servant Jamilu Kabir Bichi, stating Bichi was never an NNPP member in the first place.
Praising the current state administration
Concluding his address, Dungurawa commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s 2026 budget, praising its unprecedented focus on key areas like education and agriculture. He also praised the current government for what he termed visible infrastructural transformation across the state.
Conversely, he criticized the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing it of neglecting education, scholarship payments, and pension obligations. Dungurawa urged all NNPP members to remain united and strategically prepare for the 2027 elections.
