Speaking at a press conference held at the NNPP state secretariat in Kano on Wednesday, Dungurawa described the APC at both state and national levels as “weak, confused, and directionless,” saying their repeated public claims of ongoing talks with Kwankwaso were proof of their desperation.

“They know very well that without Kwankwaso, the APC cannot win in 2027. That is why they keep telling Nigerians they are discussing with him. They need him badly, but his only concern is the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian people,” Dungurawa stated.

He, however, clarified that Kwankwaso’s recent meetings with prominent political figures were purely coincidental and not indicative of any alliance negotiations, stressing that reconciliation remains possible in politics.

When asked why the NNPP presidential candidate managed only about 500,000 votes in Kano in 2023 despite widespread claims of massive popularity, Dungurawa explained that the party was barely seven months old during the election.

“The party logo was poorly printed on the ballot paper, public awareness was very low, and we were a new political platform. Yet, we still won legislative seats in Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Bauchi states,” he said, expressing confidence that the party’s new, clearer logo and growing nationwide acceptance will deliver a markedly different result in 2027.

Dungurawa assured members that the forthcoming state congresses will largely retain the current executives in line with the NNPP constitution, which allows two terms except in cases of defection, death, or disciplinary action.

He announced that by-elections will be conducted next month to fill three councillorship vacancies created by the deaths of ward councillors in Garin Malam (Kano Municipal), Dala, and Doguwa local government areas.

The NNPP chairman lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s proposed 2026 budget, calling its heavy investment in education and agriculture “unprecedented” and commending the administration for visible infrastructural developments across the state.

In contrast, he accused the previous administration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of neglecting education, abandoning scholarship schemes, and failing to settle pension arrears.

Dismissing concerns over recent exits from the party, Dungurawa said only one federal lawmaker left voluntarily, while others had already been suspended. He described the NNPP as “a royal suite,” adding that those who leave for “standard rooms” will soon realise their mistake.

He also refuted claims that a former civil servant, Jamilu Kabir Bichi, had defected, insisting the individual was never a member of the NNPP.Dungurawa called on party faithful to stay united and prepare for what he described as a “stronger, more strategic” NNPP ahead of the 2027 polls.