NNPP To NDC: Be Smart, Kwankwaso’s Key Loyalists Are Already In APC

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has alleged that its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, continues to wield influence over the party despite no longer being a member.

According to Ireporter Online, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, made the claim in a statement issued on Tuesday, accusing Kwankwaso of using loyalists within the party to interfere in its internal affairs and sustain ongoing legal disputes.

Olaposi alleged that the former Kano State governor is attempting to maintain political relevance by working through members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement who remained in the party after his departure. He further claimed that these loyalists are continuing litigation originally initiated by Kwankwaso.

The NNPP spokesman also accused the former presidential candidate of seeking to dominate political activities within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State while simultaneously dragging the NNPP into unnecessary controversies.

The party maintained that Kwankwaso’s political influence in Kano has significantly weakened, insisting that many of his key supporters and political associates have since joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). It advised the NDC to carefully assess the current political realities, arguing that the structure once associated with Kwankwaso is no longer as formidable as it used to be.

Meanwhile, the NNPP has announced that it will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, opting instead to explore strategic alliances with other political parties.

The decision was disclosed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Bala Mohammed, during the 11th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. He explained that the move was taken in the national interest, emphasizing the need to support a credible and competent candidate capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Mohammed stated that the party would evaluate presidential hopefuls from other political platforms before deciding on whom to endorse, stressing that collaboration among political parties is more important than unnecessary competition in the current political climate.

He noted that presenting a presidential candidate is not an obligation and said the party would only support an individual who demonstrates credibility, competence and the capacity to provide effective leadership for the country.

The acting chairman also dismissed speculation that the NNPP had already concluded plans to align with the Nigerian Democratic Congress, stressing that the party remains open to partnerships with any political organization whose ideology and objectives align with its own.

Mohammed further revealed that the departure of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate influenced its decision not to produce a presidential aspirant for the 2027 election, adding that the former flagbearer was considered one of the most qualified candidates during the last election cycle and wishing him success in his future political endeavours.