The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has firmly dismissed rumors of his defection, assuring party members that he has no intention of leaving the party.
Speaking at the NNPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso expressed confidence in the party’s performance, particularly in Kano and other states. “We are very happy with the party’s progress,” he stated, emphasizing that the NNPP was on the right track.
Addressing the rumors surrounding his future in the party, which were fueled by recent fake news reports, Kwankwaso told the gathering: “Let me take this opportunity to assure you all that we have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy. We are ready to do whatever it takes, but we are not in a hurry.”
The former Kano State governor highlighted that any negotiations regarding the 2027 general elections would be a collective decision, underscoring his belief in party supremacy. “If there will be any negotiation, it will be a collective effort. It will involve the entire NNPP family,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged party members not to be swayed by political defections, criticizing those who, in his view, lacked experience and understanding. “Those people don’t understand, and they don’t have much experience. They believe they know, but they actually don’t,” he added. “If they are interested in knowing, they should come and ask one of us.”
Reflecting on his own political journey, Kwankwaso recalled how he lost the 2003 governorship election in Kano despite being a sitting governor, due to public support for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. He noted that he made a strong comeback eight years later, calling it “a good lesson for everybody.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Kwankwaso asserted that Nigerians had already formed their opinions, and the “reality will determine the people’s votes.”
In his remarks, the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, referred to the NNPP as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics and democracy,” with the party gaining strength as the 2027 elections approach. He urged eligible citizens to register for their permanent voter cards ahead of the upcoming elections.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, praised Kwankwaso’s leadership, stating that despite attempts to undermine the NNPP, the party was progressing. Gwarzo also claimed the party had won two recent by-elections in Kano, only to be robbed of victory, but expressed confidence that the mandate would be reclaimed.
Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the NNPP’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, affirmed the party’s readiness for victory in 2027, noting that it was gaining “focused direction” under Kwankwaso’s leadership.
The meeting also saw the appointment of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, as well as the extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure. Other attendees included NEC-elected political officers from the NNPP platform and an observer team from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
NAN
