NNPP Distances Self From Kwankwaso’s Planned Defection to APC

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has distanced itself from the reported move by its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Its National Secretary, Dr. Ogini Olaposi, told reporters in Lagos that the defection plans are strictly those of Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya Movement, not the NNPP.

Olaposi maintained that the former Kano State governor is no longer a member of the party, having been expelled for anti-party activities.

He said: “Kwankwaso’s declaration confirms that he and his movement are no longer part of the NNPP, having earlier been expelled for anti-party activities. He stressed that any negotiations with him should be done in his personal capacity.”

Kwankwaso, who flew the party’s flag in the 2023 presidential election, had announced at the weekend that he and his loyalists were ready to move to the APC, but cautioned that his supporters would not allow themselves to be used and dumped after elections.

Olaposi said the NNPP has no quarrel with the APC and may explore future alliances, but insisted that such decisions would be collectively taken by the party’s organs.

He added that the NNPP’s immediate priority is strengthening its structures nationwide in preparation for the 2027 general elections.