Kaduna NNPP chairman dumps party, says guber candidate has ‘undemocratic mentality’

Ben Kure has resigned from his position as the Kaduna state chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

While addressing journalists on Thursday in Kaduna, Kure alleged that since the nomination of Suleiman Hunkuyi as the party’s governorship candidate, the NNPP in the state has remained divided. 

Kure alleged that Hunkuyi’s “undemocratic mentality and disregard” for respected elders and prominent members of the party has forced some members out of the party. 

“It may interest you to note that since the nomination of Hunkuyi, the party has remained divided, stalling efforts to engineer any massive mobilisation to woo new members and retain the initial goodwill of the people,” Kure said.  

“This is so largely due to the overbearing nature of which Hunkuyi has been trying to hijack the functions of the office of the state chairman.

“It is unfortunate that a few months to the general election, the party has remained virtually invisible at a time of heightened campaign and mobilisation of voters.

“Since my election as the state chairman of NNPP, I came in, full of passion and enthusiasm to do what is necessary for the party’s success. 

“When I came in, people were trooping in their numbers, showing acceptance of our leadership and the party, seeing it as an alternative platform to bring about the desired change in the affairs of Kaduna state.

“Let it be known that selling Kwankwaso is easy, but selling Hunkuyi in Kaduna state is a very difficult task.

“It is unfortunate that there’s no semblance of the presence of the NNPP candidate anywhere, in spite of the fact that Kaduna state is essential for the party to take. Instead, everyday, our people are moving to other parties, a few months before the elections.”

Kure also accused the governorship candidate of frustrating his efforts as the state chairman of the party.

“Amidst all these losses, the man is also bent on doubling as the state chairman and gubernatorial candidate of the party, just to run the party like he wants, interfering in party administration,” he said.

“For me to perform my duties democratically as party leader, I have been having resistance from his gang who camouflage as party leaders. The party has, thus, lost the tremendous goodwill it had in the state.

“I wish to inform you that I forwarded my letter of resignation to the national secretariat on December 5, 2022, but was persuaded to stay in order to settle all issues amicably.

“We were invited and held a meeting, and last week, the national secretariat ordered us to meet and plan for the state rally and solidarity walk under my leadership, but Hunkuyi and his gang refused to comply with the national secretariat directive.

“My experience with NNPP in Kaduna is regrettable. I do not ever hope to have anything to do with the majority of the state exco members.

“I, therefore, wish to inform you and all my supporters and associates that I have resigned as the Kaduna state chairman of NNPP and I am no longer a member of the party.”