The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed that it would be a significant relief for its members if Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, were to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This statement was made by the NNPP National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, on Sunday in Lagos.
Olaposi’s remarks came in response to the recent resignation of APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who stepped down on Friday citing health reasons. Speculation has been rife that Ganduje’s resignation was linked to an alleged move by Kwankwaso to join the APC.
While acknowledging that Ganduje’s resignation is an internal matter for the APC, Olaposi felt compelled to comment due to the ongoing tensions between Kwankwaso and the NNPP. “Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities,” Olaposi said.
The NNPP official further accused Kwankwaso of attempting to hijack the party and subjecting it to avoidable legal battles. “The NNPP Logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiya Movement Logo has just been changed back to our Logo by INEC, after years of controversy and litigations,” he added.
Olaposi expressed skepticism about the narrative that Ganduje’s departure was to facilitate a deal involving Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election. “It is on record that Ganduje once said that APC is always ready to pardon and accommodate defectors even those who left its fold,” he noted.
The NNPP secretary concluded by saying the party would be pleased if any arrangement between the APC and Kwankwaso materialized, as the ruling party is better equipped to manage the former Kano state governor’s political baggage. “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 emphasized.
Okay.ng reports that this development adds a new layer to the ongoing political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.
