The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of betrayal, describing his potential defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “huge relief.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, the party labelled Kwankwaso a divisive figure who betrayed the trust of the NNPP and destabilized its internal structure.
The party’s reaction comes amid speculation that the recent resignation of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, may be linked to ongoing political realignments that could involve Kwankwaso.
While Ganduje attributed his resignation to health concerns, Olaposi said the NNPP could not ignore the broader political context, especially given Kwankwaso’s past actions within 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 alleged that Kwankwaso attempted to supplant the party’s identity with his own political faction, 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.
On the rumoured political deal involving Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the APC ahead of the 2027 general election, Olaposi expressed optimism.
“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.
He added that Kwankwaso’s simultaneous bid to reassert himself in the NNPP while allegedly negotiating with the APC was contradictory.
“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 over allegations of undermining the party’s leadership and structure. Despite his expulsion, he continues to assert his membership.
The rivalry between Kwankwaso and Ganduje traces back to their time as political allies in Kano State, before years of bitter political fallout turned them into opponents.
