The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has stated that it would be a significant relief for its members if their 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were to align himself with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This announcement was made by the NNPP National Secretary, Mr Oginni Olaposi, in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.
Olaposi’s remarks came in response to the resignation of the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the speculation that his departure was linked to Kwankwaso’s alleged intentions to join the ruling party.
Ganduje stepped down from his role as chairman of the APC on Friday, citing health reasons.
Olaposi remarked that while the resignation is a matter for the APC, the NNPP felt it necessary to address the ongoing tensions between the party and Kwankwaso.
“Kwankwaso continues to assert that he is a member of our party despite his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities.
“He not only tried to take control of the NNPP but also led the party into avoidable legal battles.
“The NNPP logo that he altered to the Kwankwasiya Movement logo has recently been restored to our original logo by the INEC, after years of controversy and litigation.
“We have grounds to doubt the current speculation that Ganduje left the APC to enable an alleged negotiated arrangement with Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“It has been recorded that Ganduje previously claimed that the APC is always willing to pardon and accommodate defectors, including those who have left the party.”
Olaposi declared that the NNPP would welcome any potential agreement between the APC and Kwankwaso, as the ruling party is better equipped to handle the former governor of Kano’s complications.
“We find it difficult to comprehend how Kwankwaso, who is still attempting to seize control of the NNPP, is also in negotiations with the ruling party.
“Kwankwaso has betrayed our trust by trying to usurp the party from its founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, who granted him a free ticket for the 2023 presidential election.”
