Rabiu Kwankwaso NNPP loyalty shuts down defection rumors, reaffirms commitment to party and collective decisions ahead of 2027 general elections
Rabiu Kwankwaso NNPP loyalty took center stage Thursday as the party’s national leader firmly dismissed speculation about his possible defection to another political party.
Also read: Kwankwaso’s APC Alliance Dismissed as Extremely Difficult
Speaking at the NNPP National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Kwankwaso assured party members that he remains committed to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), which he described as strong and performing well—especially in Kano and other key states.
“We have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy. We are ready to do whatever it takes because we are not in a hurry,” Kwankwaso stated.
The former Kano governor addressed rising fake news suggesting he might exit the NNPP, calling such rumors baseless and politically motivated.
He emphasized that any negotiations related to the 2027 general election would not be individual-driven but a collective decision by the NNPP family.
“There is nobody in Kwankwasia or in NNPP that I know of who is saying, ‘yes, I want to go,’” he said.
Kwankwaso reiterated his belief in party supremacy, highlighting that any future political alliances would undergo internal consultation.
He cautioned members against being misled by high-profile political defections, noting that many lack true understanding of grassroots politics.
“Those people don’t understand, and they don’t have much experience,” he said. “If they are interested in knowing, I think they should come and ask one of us.”
Reflecting on past political challenges, he recounted his 2003 electoral loss as governor despite incumbency, attributing it to public support for the late Muhammadu Buhari.
He described his return to power eight years later as a valuable political lesson and urged NNPP members to stay focused.
The party’s National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, called the NNPP the “beautiful bride of Nigerian politics,” urging citizens to register for their PVCs and prepare for the upcoming elections.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, noted that despite attempts to undermine the NNPP, it remained strong under Kwankwaso’s leadership.
He cited recent by-elections in Kano that the party claims to have won, though the results are being contested.
Also speaking at the meeting, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the NNPP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, expressed confidence in the party’s trajectory, saying it now has a focused direction for 2027.
Also read: NNPP Rebukes Kwankwaso over False Claims of Northern Marginalisation
Key Developments
- Caretaker committees were appointed for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa States.
- The tenure of the Lagos State NNPP Chairman was extended.
- INEC observers attended the NEC meeting.
