The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially declared that it is open to the idea of former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move it says would bring relief to the party.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday, the NNPP’s National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, made scathing remarks about Kwankwaso’s time in the party, accusing him of betrayal, anti-party activities, and attempting to hijack the NNPP for personal political ambitions.
“Kwankwaso still claims to be a member of our party, despite being expelled over anti-party activities,” Olaposi said, describing the former governor’s influence as a disruptive force within the party.
He further alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions led to multiple legal battles and confusion over the party’s identity. A major point of contention was Kwankwaso’s replacement of the party’s official logo with the symbol of his Kwankwasiya Movement, which Olaposi said has now been reversed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The logo Kwankwaso changed to his movement’s emblem has finally been corrected by INEC, ending years of confusion and legal challenges,” he noted.
Olaposi also reacted to the recent resignation of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Kwankwaso’s long-time political rival. While Ganduje cited health reasons for stepping down, Olaposi believes the move may signal a political realignment involving Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We don’t believe the propaganda that Ganduje left APC solely for health reasons. It appears to be part of a larger negotiation involving Kwankwaso,” he said.
He also reminded the public that Ganduje had previously stated that the APC was open to welcoming defectors — a comment Olaposi now believes was made with Kwankwaso in mind.
In a sharp conclusion, the NNPP Secretary said party members would be “relieved” to see Kwankwaso leave permanently, blaming him for attempting to seize control from the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, despite being handed a free presidential ticket in 2023.
“He betrayed our trust and tried to hijack the party from its founder. If APC wants him back, they are welcome to him,” Olaposi said.
