The New Nigeria People’s Party’s National Working Committee has refuted claims of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf’s suspension, stating that there are no valid reasons for such a move.
A faction of NNPP, led by Major Agbo, declared the governor’s suspension for six months on Tuesday.
This decision was made due to his non-appearance at a disciplinary committee hearing to address an alleged breach of the party’s constitution.
Ogini Olaposi, the National Secretary of the faction, announced Yusuf’s suspension during a press conference in Abuja.
At the press conference, Olaposi stated, “We are here to update the public on the outcome of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s failure to attend the disciplinary committee meeting to address his violations of the party’s constitution.
“It is essential for Nigerians to be informed about the New Nigeria People’s Party’s stance following the governor’s absence before the Disciplinary Committee, where he participated in an unauthorized/factional national convention of NNPP by the Kwankwasiya group at Wuse 2, Abuja, on April 6.
“With the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s Board of Trustees’ approval and the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has been suspended for six months forthwith.”
In response, NNPP’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, affirmed in an interview in Abuja on Thursday that the governor still holds membership in the party.
He clarified, “It’s imperative to note that Gov. Yusuf is a legitimate member of our esteemed party and a commendable representative of NNPP, whose leadership and exceptional accomplishments in Kano State bring us pride. Therefore, there is no reason for his suspension. The NNPP did not suspend our governor.”
Ajuji dismissed those claiming Yusuf’s suspension from NNPP due to his involvement in the party’s national convention as inconsequential political players, mercenaries, and attention-seekers.
He added, “These individuals rehashed baseless accusations and a poorly executed drama of Kano State Governor’s suspension to gain relevance, as their sponsors and target audience have grown weary of the perpetual suspensions and expulsions of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s National Leader.
“These political operatives also tried to prevent Yusuf’s victory in the Tribunal, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court by falsely alleging that he was not validly nominated by the party as its candidate for the 2023 general election.
“Fortunately, the wisdom of the Supreme Court justices prevailed, concurring with us and INEC that Yusuf is a legitimate NNPP member.”
He highlighted that these individuals had initiated multiple lawsuits contesting the party’s leadership and attempted to disrupt both the NEC meeting and the National Convention held on April 5 and April 6.
Ajuji continued, “The court, as the pillar of justice and democracy in Nigeria, dismissed many of their lawsuits, including a recent judgement.
“A Court even instructed them to cease representing themselves as party members, but due to their disregard for the law, they persist in their contemptuous actions.
“The group of expelled members impeded NNPP candidates from various elective positions, resulting in victories in gubernatorial, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats, boosting NNPP’s electoral fortunes. The party is cognizant of their sponsors and their intentions to destabilize it. However, NNPP continues to thrive, expanding its presence in the political landscape.
“We won’t waste resources responding to these political mercenaries if not for the extensive media coverage they receive. They seek public attention to stay relevant and execute their sponsors’ agenda. In a different context, they wouldn’t attract such attention, being in defiance of the court’s instructions that prohibited them from identifying as party members, holding press conferences, and issuing statements. Legal repercussions will soon catch up with them.”
He asserted NNPP’s commitment to driving positive change in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Governor Abba Yusuf’s effective governance in Kano State.