The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said it would welcome with relief the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This position was made known in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi.
Olaposi was responding to the recent resignation of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and growing speculation that his exit was linked to an alleged arrangement to pave the way for Kwankwaso’s return to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Ganduje, however, cited health reasons for stepping down.
While describing Ganduje’s resignation as an internal affair of the APC, Olaposi said the NNPP felt compelled to react due to its lingering conflict with Kwankwaso.
“Despite being expelled over alleged anti-party activities, Kwankwaso still insists on being a member of the NNPP,” Olaposi said. “He tried to hijack the party, leading us into needless legal battles. He even replaced our official logo with that of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a move that INEC has only recently reversed after years of dispute.”
Olaposi further expressed skepticism over reports that Ganduje’s resignation was part of a negotiated arrangement involving Kwankwaso’s defection to the APC. He noted that the APC has a history of forgiving defectors, citing Ganduje’s past remarks on the matter.
“If the APC chooses to accept Kwankwaso, it would be a welcome development for us,” Olaposi stated. “We believe the ruling party is better equipped to deal with the political baggage he carries.”
He concluded by accusing Kwankwaso of betraying the party’s trust, claiming he attempted to wrest control from its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, despite being offered the party’s presidential ticket freely in 2023.
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