The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially disassociated itself from the anticipated defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Ogini Olaposi, the NNPP National Secretary, clarified this position during a recent event held in Lagos.
He emphasized that any decision regarding Kwankwaso’s political moves is entirely his own and that of his Kwankwasiya Movement, independent of the party’s stance.
Olaposi pointed out that Kwankwaso’s recent announcement expressing willingness to join the APC validates earlier assertions that he and his followers have effectively severed ties with the NNPP.
Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, declared on Saturday that his faction is ready to collaborate with the APC.
However, he warned that his group would not allow itself to be used merely as a tool for electoral advantage before being discarded.
Responding to this, Olaposi remarked: “This development confirms what we have long maintained. From now on, any dealings with Kwankwaso should be regarded as personal, as his movement has been expelled for activities against the party’s interests.”
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He further clarified that the NNPP holds no animosity toward the APC and remains open to future alliances, provided such decisions are made collectively by apc-pdp-and-nnpp-supporters-decamp-to-adc-in-katsina/” title=”…, PDP and … supporters decamp to ADC in Katsina”>party members.
Currently, the party’s priority is to recover and strengthen itself following internal disputes and legal battles linked to Kwankwaso’s faction.
Olaposi noted that the memorandum of understanding between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement concluded after the 2023 elections.
“The conflict arose because instead of exiting amicably, they tried to take control of the party. We look forward to seeing them move on,” he added.
He also highlighted that Kwankwaso is presently without a political base, pointing out that many of his supporters in Kano have already shifted allegiance to the APC.
“Kwankwaso’s influence has diminished following his betrayal of the NNPP, which had provided him a platform for his presidential bid. Any negotiations claiming to represent the NNPP are invalid, as he and his group remain expelled,” the NNPP official asserted.
Additionally, Olaposi criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its delay in recognizing the party’s newly elected executive committee, led by Dr. Agbo Major, which was established through a court-mandated convention.
