A Kano State High Court has issued an interim order suspending Hashimu Suleiman-Dungurawa as the state chairman of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) pending the determination of a suit filed against him. The order was given by Justice Zuwaira Yusuf on Friday, following a motion ex parte by 10 applicants, including Mr. Shuaibu Hassan, all members of the Gargari Ward in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area.
Suleiman-Dungurawa, who hails from the Gargari ward, had been suspended as the state chairman of the NNPP on December 30, 2023, by 27 executive members of the party. The suspension was due to allegations that he had denigrated the office of Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, created division within the party, and failed to pay party dues.
The applicants, represented by counsel Mr. K Njidda and S. A. Muhammad, sought the court’s validation of the disciplinary process and subsequent suspension of Suleiman-Dungurawa. They also asked the court to determine whether their actions against him were in accordance with the NNPP’s constitution.
In her ruling, Justice Yusuf granted the interim order, restraining Suleiman-Dungurawa from parading himself as the chairman of the NNPP in Kano pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. The court ordered that the suspension of Suleiman-Dungurawa be maintained until the case is resolved and directed the applicants to serve the court process on the respondents.
The development is significant as it highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the NNPP in Kano State. The party has been experiencing divisions, and the suspension of Suleiman-Dungurawa is seen as a move to address the issues and restore order. The court’s decision will likely have implications for the party’s leadership and its preparations for future elections.
The case is expected to proceed with the serving of the court process on the respondents, after which the court will hear the motion on notice. The outcome of the case will determine the fate of Suleiman-Dungurawa’s leadership position in the NNPP and potentially impact the party’s dynamics in Kano State.