The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed relief at the possibility of its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his departure would be a welcome development.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, NNPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, addressed the recent resignation of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the growing speculation linking his exit to a possible arrangement involving Kwankwaso.
Although Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation last Friday, Olaposi noted the timing raised concerns, especially in light of rumors about Kwankwaso negotiating his way into the APC.
“Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities,” Olaposi said.
“Kwankwaso did not only try to hijack the NNPP but also made the party go through avoidable litigations.”
He added that the party had finally reclaimed its identity after a prolonged dispute involving changes made to its official logo.
“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,” he said.
Reacting to speculations that Ganduje may have stepped down from his position to smooth the path for Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC, Olaposi expressed skepticism.
“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,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that APC has historically shown a willingness to welcome former members back into its fold.
“It is on record that Ganduje once said that APC is always ready to pardon and accommodate defectors even those who left its fold,” Olaposi noted.
For the NNPP, such a deal, if real, would be seen as a positive step.
“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,” Olaposi declared.
He concluded by reiterating the party’s view that Kwankwaso had betrayed the trust placed in him during the last general elections.
“We find it difficult to believe that Kwankwaso who is still struggling to hijack the NNPP is also negotiating to join the ruling party,” he said.
“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.”
