The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major, has stated that Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, is not a recognised member of the party.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, Gilbert asserted that the party has no dealings with Kwankwaso, declaring that he has not been an NNPP member since 2023.
He remarked, “Let me make it clear that there are more pressing issues to discuss than Kwankwaso as an individual. I’m not here to talk about him. He has become part of the history of the NNPP. At one point, he joined us, and at another, he departed with his Kwankwasiyya movement. Therefore, I have no desire to discuss him further.
“He has left in accordance with the provisions of our party’s constitution, as well as the rulings from various courts, including the Abia High Court judgement and the recent decision from the FCT High Court.”
Commenting on the wave of defections affecting major opposition political parties in the country, including the NNPP, Gilbert noted, “Kwankwaso initially brought in his supporters – the so-called Kwankwasiyya movement. If you examine the backgrounds of those who have defected, you will see that they were once active members of the Kwankwasiyya movement. In fact, they played a significant role in the success of the NNPP in Kano.
“As a result, we have lost some critical individuals, very capable politicians – those who could decisively impact our fortunes. That is precisely what has occurred.”
However, he claimed that those who defected from the NNPP did so because they were dissatisfied with the management of the Kwankwasiyya movement, but had no issues with the NNPP as a party.
“I want to make it clear that they did not defect from the NNPP; we are still in contact with them. All they keep telling us is, ‘We are with you, we have no problems with the party or its programmes, but we have issues with the organisation that became part of you through which we entered the party and won elections.’ Thus, the departure of a Senator – specifically Kawu – and two members of the House of Representatives is not a rebellion against the NNPP.
“People have endured as much as they can and are now expressing their dissatisfaction with the Kwankwasiyya movement, stating, ‘We are tired of what you are doing. It has become a one-man show; we cannot continue.’ But I can assure you, they remain aligned with us. We are in contact with them.
“The beauty of democracy lies in the flexibility that allows politicians to move from one political party to another. If you find yourself in a situation where you are no longer comfortable, you have the right to walk away, particularly when you consider the circumstances that led you to that position. However, as I emphasise, these individuals did not defect from the NNPP.
“Certainly, the only means through which people can win elections in this country remains the political parties. We do not yet have provisions for independent candidacy, and thus they secured their positions through the NNPP platform before leaving.
“While it may seem on the surface that they have departed from the NNPP, those of us who are engaged with the party understand that they have not left the NNPP; they have merely distanced themselves from the Kwankwasiyya movement.”
He added, “These are individuals with whom we have maintained a strong relationship, and I will reiterate that they do not have issues with the leadership of the NNPP. The challenges that prompted their departure are related to the management of the Kwankwasiyya movement. The defectors remain our friends.”
When asked if he was concerned about Kwankwaso’s relationship with the presidency, Gilbert replied, “I would like you to consider my perspective. Would you be worried if someone, who has not been a member of your party for over a year, chooses to join another political party? Why should that concern you? Let us focus on serious matters. The man is gone. I have already stated that he is part of the history of the NNPP. He was here for a time and has now left. I prefer to discuss matters that will enhance our operational capacity.
“What I can tell you is that he is free to go wherever he wishes, as we have no dealings with him. He ceased to be a member of this party in June 2023.”
