National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, speaks on the party’s internal tensions, its strategy for 2027, insecurity in the North, and his evaluation of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Your party has recently been embroiled in factional disputes. What exactly is happening?
There is no faction in the NNPP. Those parading themselves as a faction are individuals who were invited to appear before a disciplinary committee for anti-party activities.
They refused, so the National Working Committee suspended them, and the suspension was later ratified by the National Executive Committee.
The matter was then moved to the National Convention, which eventually expelled them.
These individuals have no standing in the party, yet they began filing cases in various courts, at one point, 18 cases.
They secured an unusual ruling from an obscure court in Abia State without properly serving the real NNPP. The judge even ordered the party to be handed over to them.
We appealed in the same court, and the judgment was set aside due to improper service. That is where the matter currently stands.
We also approached a court in Abuja to stop them from parading themselves as NNPP officials, but the judge declined jurisdiction, describing it as an internal party matter. They falsely claim this as a victory.
Anyone seeking clarity should check INEC records, we remain the legally recognised leadership of the NNPP.
There are suggestions that the NNPP congresses are controversial. What is your response?
The noise is coming from the same expelled individuals. They claim the party belongs to one person simply because they say he registered the party. That is false.
No political party belongs to any individual. Once INEC registers a party, any Nigerian can join and contest.
Despite their antics, no court stopped our congresses, and we successfully conducted ward congresses nationwide.
People say the NNPP is controlled by the Kwankwasiya movement. Is this true?
No. Various groups joined the NNPP over time, the National Movement, Kwankwasiya, and others. That doesn’t make any group the owner of the party.
I am the National Chairman, and I don’t belong to any bloc. The claim is baseless.
The party is widely seen as revolving around Rabiu Kwankwaso. Are you trying to reduce his dominance?
Kwankwaso is just a member of the party. If he violates party rules, the NWC has the power to discipline him, including suspension or expulsion.
Every party has influential figures; that doesn’t make the party theirs.
Funding doesn’t come from individuals, but from membership dues. The more members you have, the stronger your finances.
Kano seems to be your stronghold. Can you retain it in 2027?
We are confident we will retain Kano in 2027. In fact, in the last election, we believe we won Taraba and one other Northeastern state.
We aim to win more states across the country because you cannot win the presidency without broad national support.
What about the lawmakers who have defected to the APC?
Defection is a personal choice. People leave parties for various reasons.
While a few may leave, tens of thousands join us from other parties. We hold no grudges. We remain focused on winning elections.
Is NNPP considering alliances or mergers ahead of 2027?
Yes. We have several options:
– contest independently,
– join a coalition,
– adopt a strong presidential candidate, or
– even consider an alliance with the APC.
Nothing is off the table.
Are these discussions already happening?
Of course. If you have options, you must explore them. We are in discussions with many individuals and groups, and many are also talking to us.
Will you reveal the blocs you’re talking to?
It’s too early for that. In the coming weeks or months, we will announce our decision.
Is Kwankwaso guaranteed the 2027 presidential ticket?
No. The NNPP presidential ticket is open to any Nigerian. Anyone can contest.
Unlike some parties that centre everything around one individual, the NNPP is open and democratic.
What unique policies is the NNPP proposing to address economic hardship?
Anyone who emerges as presidential candidate must embrace our core principle: protecting the common man.
We aim to:
– democratise education,
– provide universal access to quality healthcare,
– eliminate medical tourism within four years,
– strengthen national security through better funding and coordination.
Other parties had similar opportunities but failed. Our focus is national welfare and territorial integrity.
What is driving the resurgence of kidnappings and school abductions in the North?
Poverty and lack of opportunities push youths toward criminality, though this never justifies crime.
Government failure to decisively confront insurgents and bandits has worsened insecurity.
It’s not just the North; nowhere in Nigeria is safe.
I recently visited Guinea-Bissau and saw Nigeria’s military securing the country. If we can secure another nation, why can’t we secure our own? Nigeria should prioritise internal security before engaging in external peacekeeping.
Why can’t the Nigerian Armed Forces end insecurity?
The military is capable. What’s missing is political will.
The armed forces act on directives from the government. If the government prioritises defeating insurgents, it will happen. Troops should be withdrawn from foreign missions and focused on domestic threats.
How do you assess President Bola Tinubu’s administration so far?
The administration has brought hardship, hunger, and insecurity.
Government says current suffering is necessary for future economic stability. But sound policy must balance the present and the future.
You cannot destroy the present in the hope of a better tomorrow.
Some argue that northern elements are sabotaging Tinubu by fuelling insecurity. Is this true?
That theory is illogical. No one destroys his own home to spite a neighbour.
Most victims of banditry are northerners.
The real causes are:
– unemployment,
– poverty,
– lack of educational opportunities.
If these issues are addressed, youth will not turn to crime.
