NNPP Blasts Kwankwaso For Joining APC
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of betrayal, saying it would be a “huge relief” if he officially defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party, which stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, described Kwankwaso as a divisive figure who betrayed the party’s trust.
The statement was a reaction to the recent resignation of the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and growing speculation that Ganduje’s exit may be part of a broader political realignment involving Kwankwaso.
While Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, Olaposi said the NNPP could not ignore the wider implications of the development, given the troubled history between Kwankwaso and the party.
“Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities,” Olaposi said.
“He did not only try to hijack the NNPP but also made the party go through avoidable litigation.”
Olaposi noted that Kwankwaso had attempted to replace the party’s identity with that of his personal political structure, the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
“The NNPP Logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiyya Movement Logo has just been changed to our Logo by INEC, after years of controversy and litigation,” he added.
Commenting on the speculation that Ganduje’s resignation was meant to pave the way for Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC ahead of the 2027 presidential race, Olaposi said the NNPP had “reasons to doubt the ongoing propaganda,” but would be glad if such a deal materializes.
“We would be elated if any proposed deal between APC and Kwankwaso becomes a reality. The ruling party is in a better position to handle the former Kano State governor’s baggage,” he said.
According to him, it would be ironic if Kwankwaso, who is “still struggling to hijack the NNPP,” is at the same time negotiating his entry into the APC.
“Kwankwaso betrayed our trust in him by trying to hijack the party from its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who facilitated his free ticket for the 2023 presidential election,” Olaposi said.
Kwankwaso was expelled from the NNPP in 2023 following accusations of undermining the party’s leadership and structure but e has continued to lay claim to party membership.
Ganduje and Kwankwaso have a long and acrimonious political history, having once been allies in Kano politics before becoming rivals.
