The National Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Ogini Olaposi, has clarified that the recent announcement by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso regarding his readiness to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not reflect the party’s stance.
Olaposi emphasized that Kwankwaso’s move was solely a personal decision, made in his individual capacity, and not one backed by the NNPP.
In a statement made in Lagos on Monday, Olaposi expressed that the party was “vindicated” by Kwankwaso’s declaration, asserting that he and his Kwankwasiya Movement had effectively distanced themselves from the NNPP. He added that any future negotiations with Kwankwaso should be considered independent of the NNPP.
“This is a clear admission from Kwankwaso that he and his movement are no longer part of the NNPP,” Olaposi stated. “We can now focus on rebuilding our party and preparing for the 2027 general elections, free from the disruptions caused by Kwankwaso’s followers.”
The NNPP has faced internal challenges since Kwankwaso and his followers, after their expulsion for anti-party activities, attempted to assert control over the party. Olaposi also pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement had expired after the 2023 presidential election. According to Olaposi, rather than leaving the party peacefully, the Kwankwasiya faction began efforts to hijack the party, which led to their eventual expulsion.
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Kwankwaso’s statement about joining the APC comes after many of his followers, particularly in Kano, had already shifted allegiance to the ruling party. Olaposi remarked, “Kwankwaso has no political platform. His political value diminished after betraying the NNPP, which had given him a free platform to pursue his presidential ambition.”
While some Nigerians may see Kwankwaso’s decision as a right to change political affiliations, Olaposi made it clear that any political engagement in the name of the NNPP was “null and void.” He stressed that Kwankwaso and his group were no longer members of the NNPP and had been expelled for their actions.
The NNPP has also been dealing with delays in the upload of its new executive, which followed a court-ordered convention that elected Dr Agbo Major as the party’s new leader. Olaposi expressed his frustration with the delay, underscoring that the party is now focused on moving forward with unity and strength.
As the NNPP plans its future steps, Olaposi reiterated that any potential alliances, including with the APC, would be decided collectively by the party’s members and not by any individual.
In conclusion, the NNPP’s official stance remains firm: Kwankwaso’s exit from the party is final, and any future political actions undertaken by him or his followers will be without the support of the NNPP.
