NNPP Crisis deepens as Gov Yusuf reassigns key officials amid growing rift with Deputy

The internal crisis within the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has intensified as Governor Abba Yusuf reshuffled key officials, including the permanent secretaries for the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.

This development has fueled speculation about the deteriorating relationship between Governor Yusuf and his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam.

In the recent shake-up, Aminu Kura, former permanent secretary for Special Duties in the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Ibrahim Kabara, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, were reassigned.

Kura was transferred to the Office of the Head of Service without a portfolio, while Kabara was moved to the less influential Ministry of Special Duties.

Replacing them are Sadi Ibrahim and Musbahu Badawi, respectively, as new permanent secretaries in these offices.

The changes, documented in a circular dated November 4, 2024, have been viewed by political observers as an attempt to reduce the influence of the deputy governor, who also serves as commissioner for local government affairs.

The rift reportedly widened following a drug procurement scandal linked to Novomed, a pharmaceutical firm owned by Musa Garba Kwankwaso, nephew of the NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Sources claim the deputy governor was not consulted in the reassignment process, breaking from tradition, where top civil servants are typically nominated by the deputy governor’s office.

Additionally, some sources suggest that the officials’ reassignment is linked to alleged involvement in the Novomed scandal, as indicated by the Kano State Anti-Corruption and Public Complaint Commission.

Efforts to reach the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Dawakintofa, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

This reshuffle highlights the escalating tensions within the NNPP and raises questions about the stability of the party’s leadership in Kano.