The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has signaled that it would welcome the exit of its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would come as a significant relief to its members.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the NNPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi. The statement was in response to the recent resignation of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and mounting speculations linking his departure to alleged political arrangements involving Kwankwaso.
Ganduje tendered his resignation as APC Chairman on Friday, citing health-related reasons. However, rumours have been circulating that his exit might be connected to plans to accommodate Kwankwaso within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to these developments, Olaposi noted that although Ganduje’s resignation remains an internal matter of the APC, the NNPP was compelled to comment due to its ongoing issues with Kwankwaso. He described Kwankwaso’s continued claims of NNPP membership as misleading, pointing out that he had already been expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities.
“Despite his expulsion, Kwankwaso continues to parrot his affiliation with the NNPP,” Olaposi stated. “He not only attempted to hijack the party but also subjected us to years of avoidable litigation. The logo he replaced with his Kwankwasiya Movement symbol has only recently been restored by INEC to our original party emblem after prolonged legal battles.”
Olaposi also expressed skepticism about the widespread narrative suggesting that Ganduje’s resignation was aimed at clearing the path for Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC.
“While the reports are speculative, we are aware that Ganduje had previously stated that the APC is always willing to welcome back former members, including those who once defected from its fold,” he noted.
Highlighting the challenges the NNPP has faced since aligning with Kwankwaso, Olaposi declared that the party would be pleased if any negotiations between the APC and the former Kano State governor materialized.
“We would honestly be elated if any alleged deal between Kwankwaso and the APC comes to fruition. The ruling party is certainly in a better position to manage the baggage he carries,” he said.
He further accused Kwankwaso of betraying the party’s trust, particularly that of its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who had offered him the NNPP’s presidential ticket free of charge during the 2023 elections. “It is ironic that someone who is actively trying to wrest control of our party could simultaneously be negotiating terms to join another,” he added.