The crisis within the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has escalated as the state chairman, Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa, accused Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, of fraud and anti-party activities.
Senator Kawu has, however, threatened legal action, demanding a retraction of the allegations and a public apology.
In a letter addressed to Dungurawa by his legal team, led by Sunusi Musa (SAN) of Aliyu & Musa (SAN), on Wednesday, Senator Kawu described the allegations as defamatory.
The letter stated that Dungurawa, during a radio interview on Freedom Radio, accused Kawu of diverting public funds for projects in Sumaila Local Government Area during his time as a member of the House of Representatives.
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Dungurawa also alleged that Kawu collected $80 million from Abubakar Kabiru Bichi, a member of the House of Representatives, to influence the 2023 Kano State governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kawu’s legal team contended that the allegations were baseless and aimed at tarnishing the senator’s reputation.
“Our client has built a reputation as an advocate of good governance and has never been accused of corruption or election rigging in his political career,” the letter read.
The lawyers demanded a public retraction and apology from Dungurawa, to be published in two national newspapers within 24 hours. Failure to comply, they warned, would lead to legal action.
Dungurawa, however, denied receiving any letter from Senator Kawu or his legal representatives.
In a chat with our correspondent in Kano, Dungurawa, who did not deny making the allegations, dismissed the claim of being served with the said letter as rumours.
“I have not received any letter, and no letter was addressed to me on the issue by anybody whatsoever. This is nothing but a rumour created by enemies, supported by ignorance, and accepted by fools,” Dungurawa said.
He maintained that the NNPP remains committed to ensuring discipline among its members. He added that the NNPP has always provided a level-playing field for its members and expects loyalty from all, including those holding public office.
Despite the accusations, Dungurawa downplayed the crisis within the party, claiming it remains “100 percent strong and united.” He described the reported internal disputes as evidence of the NNPP’s prominence and viability as a political force in Kano.
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