2027: NNPP, APC trade words over Tinubu’s ‘stance’ on Kano emirates tussle

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have resumed their war of words over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s perceived stance on the ongoing emirate tussle in the state.

The NNPP chairman in the state, Hashimu Dungurawa, on Sunday urged President Tinubu to intervene in the emirate crisis, warning that his indifference could affect his re-election chances in 2027.

Dungurawa claimed that Tinubu’s perceived position on the issue could backfire politically, stating, “Your perceived position on the ongoing Kano emirates tussle would surely work against you in 2027 because if you think you can use it to gain ground in Kano, when the chips are down, you will realise your mistakes.”

Dungurawa also announced that NNPP would field Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as its presidential candidate in 2027, asserting that Kwankwaso is the only person capable of winning the presidency.

In response, the APC chairman in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, dismissed the NNPP’s threats as empty and asserted that President Tinubu will secure a victory in Kano in 2027.

He emphasised that the APC is now more united and popular, promising to deliver triple the votes it received in the last presidential election. Abbas criticised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Kwankwaso, stating that their approach to governance would lead to their defeat.

Abbas also accused the NNPP government of distracting Kano residents from its governance failures by using the contentious emirate law as a tactic. He claimed that while other state governors were commissioning projects to mark their one year in office, the NNPP was busy with the emirate law controversy.

Also commenting, the APC deputy chairman in Kano, Shehu Maigari, stated that President Tinubu would not be intimidated by the NNPP’s threats, pointing out that the issue of the emirates is before the courts and the president cannot interfere. Maigari added that the APC-led federal government would not be diverted from its ongoing programmes that benefit all Nigerians.

It will be recalled that the emirate crisis began when Governor Yusuf reinstated the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, after repealing the State Emirate Council Law of 2019, which had created five emirate councils. This move dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, leading to litigation and heightened tensions in the state.

Daily Trust reports that Kano, with its significant voting population, is crucial in determining the outcome of presidential elections.