Why NNPP Says Kwankwaso’s Exit to APC Will Be a Huge Relief
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed that it would be a welcome relief for its members if former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was disclosed by the NNPP National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, while responding to speculations surrounding Kwankwaso’s alleged plans to rejoin the APC and the recent resignation of APC’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
Olaposi hinted that Ganduje’s exit may be tied to political negotiations aimed at facilitating Kwankwaso’s defection.
“Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities,” Olaposi said.
“He not only attempted to hijack the NNPP, but also dragged the party through avoidable litigations.”
According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently restored the NNPP’s original logo after a long dispute stemming from Kwankwaso’s alleged substitution of it with the symbol of his Kwankwasiya Movement.
“The NNPP logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiya logo has just been changed back to our original logo by INEC after years of legal controversy,” he noted.
Olaposi also dismissed the claim that Ganduje’s resignation was based on health concerns alone, saying the timing and context suggest a deeper political arrangement.
“We have reasons to doubt the propaganda that Ganduje left his position purely for health reasons. There may be a negotiated deal with Kwankwaso ahead of 2027.”
He added that Kwankwaso’s continued insistence on NNPP membership, despite his expulsion and political flirtations, is a source of concern for party loyalists.
“We would be glad to see him officially out. He betrayed the trust of the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who gave him a free presidential ticket in 2023.”
Olaposi further recalled Ganduje’s previous remarks, where he stated that the APC was open to forgiving and accommodating defectors — a sentiment that now seems significant in the unfolding political developments.
The statement reflects ongoing tensions within the NNPP, as the party seeks to stabilize its internal structure ahead of the next general elections.
