The internal crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has taken a new turn as Deputy Governor Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo appeared to openly align himself with the party's national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Gwarzo was seen on Wednesday at Kwankwaso's Miller Road residence in Kano, where the two-time former governor presided over a screening exercise for Kwankwasa political movement loyalists.
His attendance at the gathering has been widely interpreted by political observers as a clear sign of support for Kwankwaso amid the deepening divisions within the NNPP in the state.
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This development comes at a time when political tension has increased due to speculations about the possible defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gwarzo's presence at Miller Road is therefore seen as an important political statement, especially given his strategic position as deputy governor.
Gwarzo, who recently returned from a short pilgrimage (Umrah) in Saudi Arabia, knelt to pay homage to Kwankwaso at the residence. This gesture further strengthened the perception of his loyalty to the Kwankwasia political structure, which remains a dominant force in Kano politics.
While Gwarzo was on his brief leave, internal rifts within the NNPP reportedly worsened, leading to speculation as to where the deputy governor would ultimately pitch his tent within the party's fractured leadership. His latest move appears to have ended the uncertainty over his political direction.
Sources inside the Kano Government House said Gwarzo's alliance could significantly change the balance of power in the Kano political landscape, especially as the NNPP is grappling with leadership disputes and questions about its future cohesion in the state.
Efforts to obtain official comments on the development were unsuccessful, as Gwarzo's media colleagues and close associates declined to respond to inquiries at the time of filing this report.
The NNPP rose to prominence in Kano State due to the Kwankwasia movement led by Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, which has maintained a strong grassroots foothold for over a decade. However, ever since the party assumed power in the state in 2023, internal disagreements over leadership, loyalty and control of party structures have persisted.
These tensions have been further heightened by rumors of possible defection and competing political interests within the party hierarchy. The deputy governor's apparent alignment with Kwankwaso is seen as a key moment in the ongoing struggle for influence within the NNPP, which could have potential implications for governance and future electoral contests in Kano State.
