The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has welcomed speculations that its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be on the verge of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such a move as a “huge relief” and “long overdue.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, the National Secretary of NNPP, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, expressed the party’s frustration over Kwankwaso’s alleged attempts to hijack the NNPP, while still publicly claiming membership.
“Let the APC have him,” Olaposi declared. “Kwankwaso betrayed the trust reposed in him and left our party in unnecessary litigations. His exit will be a breath of fresh air.”
The reaction comes amid the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman, with speculations swirling that his departure may be linked to a possible deal with Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
While Ganduje cited health reasons for stepping down, Olaposi noted that the NNPP could not remain silent given the political tension and historical rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, both former governors of Kano State.
“Kwankwaso, even after his expulsion over anti-party activities, still insists he is a member of our party. Meanwhile, he’s allegedly negotiating with the APC behind the scenes,” the NNPP scribe said.
Identity Crisis and Legal Battles
Olaposi pointed out that Kwankwaso’s tenure in the NNPP was marked by controversy, particularly his efforts to rebrand the party using his Kwankwasiyya Movement imagery and slogan — a move that sparked legal battles and identity disputes.
“INEC has only just restored the authentic NNPP logo after years of legal wrangling, which were caused by Kwankwaso’s unilateral changes,” he said.
He further emphasized that Kwankwaso’s attempts to sideline the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, demonstrated a lack of loyalty and respect for the party’s roots.
“Dr. Aniebonam gave him a free ticket to contest in 2023, yet he turned around to hijack the party. If APC thinks they can manage him, we won’t stand in the way,” Olaposi added.
APC Deal Speculations
While Olaposi dismissed the rumors of a formal agreement between the APC and Kwankwaso as political “propaganda,” he stressed that NNPP would not be surprised if such a development materializes.
“We recall Ganduje once boasting that APC is always open to forgiving defectors. If that includes Kwankwaso, then good luck to them,” he said.
The NNPP has urged its supporters to remain focused on rebuilding and repositioning the party ahead of 2027, asserting that its identity and direction are no longer tied to any one individual.
Looking Ahead
The statement reflects growing tensions and realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape as parties begin early calculations toward the next general elections. For the NNPP, Kwankwaso’s rumored defection marks a clean break from a contentious chapter in its political journey.
