The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has stated that it would be a “huge relief” if its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, finally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released in Lagos on Sunday, the party’s National Secretary, Mr Oginni Olaposi, described the alleged talks between Kwankwaso and the ruling party as a welcome move, one that would free the NNPP from political tension and internal drama.
Kwankwaso Joining APC Would Be a Huge Relief to NNPP
Olaposi said, “Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities.” According to him, the party was forced to endure several court cases and confusion due to Kwankwaso’s actions during and after the 2023 elections.
He added that Kwankwaso not only attempted to hijack the NNPP but also changed the party’s official logo to reflect his personal political brand, the Kwankwasiyya Movement. He noted that “the NNPP Logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiya Movement Logo has just been changed to our Logo by INEC, after years of controversy and litigations.”
Kwankwaso Joining APC Would Be a Huge Relief After Ganduje’s Exit
Mr Olaposi made the statement in response to recent developments in the APC, particularly the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman. While Ganduje cited health issues, Olaposi said the resignation may not be unrelated to Kwankwaso’s alleged planned defection.
He stated: “We have reasons to doubt the ongoing propaganda that Ganduje left APC to enable an alleged negotiated arrangement with Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election.”
Ganduje and Kwankwaso have a long history of political rivalry, especially in Kano State. But recent rumours have hinted at a behind-the-scenes agreement that could see Kwankwaso return to the APC as part of future political calculations.
Kwankwaso Joining APC Would Be a Huge Relief from His Political Baggage
According to Olaposi, “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 said the NNPP would not fight the defection and would, in fact, welcome it. “NNPP would be elated if any proposed deal between APC and Kwankwaso became a reality as the ruling party is in a better position to handle the former Kano state governor’s baggage,” he said.
He stressed that the NNPP finds it difficult to understand how a man who is still battling to take full control of their party could be negotiating to join another. Olaposi said Kwankwaso’s actions have been damaging and that it is time for the NNPP to move on. “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,” the statement read.
Kwankwaso Joining APC Would Be a Huge Relief for NNPP
From all indications, the NNPP has had enough of Kwankwaso’s political manoeuvres. By declaring publicly that Kwankwaso joining APC would be a huge relief, the party has not only distanced itself from its former flag bearer but also signaled a readiness to end the chapter. Whether or not the APC is willing to carry the load Kwankwaso brings is another matter entirely. But for the NNPP, it seems the exit door is wide open—and they’re not exactly waiting to hold it shut.
