By Suleiman Ramat
Kano, Nigeria — The Kano Youth Democratic Forum (KYDF) has sharply criticized Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South in the National Assembly, for what they describe as unwarranted attacks on the Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Hon. Hashim Suleiman Dungurawa. The group warned that disparaging Dungurawa amounts to an attack on the NNPP as a whole.
In a statement issued by KYDF President Aliyu Sumaila, the group accused Senator Sumaila of exhibiting “insubordination and indiscipline” by publicly undermining the state party chairman. The statement emphasized that Dungurawa is a respected political figure who symbolizes the NNPP’s ideals and leadership.
“Hon. Dungurawa epitomizes the NNPP as a party. Any malignant attack on his personality is an attack on the entire party,” the statement read.
Allegations of Betrayal and Political Disloyalty
The KYDF accused Senator Sumaila of leveraging the NNPP platform for personal political gains, alleging that his current position in the Senate was made possible through the intervention of the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. According to the group, Senator Sumaila was offered the party’s senatorial ticket in 2023, despite the existence of another candidate, in a move orchestrated by Kwankwaso.
“Senator Sumaila was given a rare opportunity to revive his political career under the NNPP. It is therefore disheartening to see him undermining the very leadership that elevated him,” the group stated.
The Forum also described Sumaila as a “political liability,” claiming he had struggled for eight years to secure an elected office until joining the NNPP. They further accused him of planning to defect to his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources as evidence of such intentions.
Anti-Party Allegations and Legal Maneuvers
The youth group lambasted Senator Sumaila for resorting to legal threats against Dungurawa rather than addressing internal party concerns through established mechanisms. They likened his behavior to that of a disobedient child suing a parent for discipline.
“It is a gross act of disrespect and insubordination,” KYDF said. “Senator Sumaila should have engaged constructively within the party rather than playing to the gallery with frivolous legal maneuvers.”
The Forum also pointed to Sumaila’s absence from key NNPP events, such as the wedding of Kwankwaso’s daughter, and his alleged alignment with APC figures as evidence of his anti-party activities. They referenced a recent claim by the Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Ata, that his appointment was designed to undermine the NNPP’s position in Kano—a claim Sumaila has not publicly refuted.
“His silence on these allegations speaks volumes,” KYDF asserted. “Senator Sumaila’s body language strongly suggests a betrayal of the party’s interests.”
Call for Party Unity and Discipline
KYDF urged the NNPP leadership to address what they termed as Sumaila’s “anti-party behavior” to safeguard the party’s cohesion and credibility.
“Allowing such conduct to persist unchallenged could lead to the erosion of party discipline and, ultimately, its destruction,” the statement warned.
The group concluded by reaffirming their loyalty to the NNPP and its leadership under Dungurawa. They expressed confidence in the chairman’s ability to foster unity and provide a fair platform for all party members while expecting reciprocal loyalty and respect.
“This moment calls for a recommitment to the collective interests of the NNPP, both in Kano and nationally,” KYDF stated.
