- The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has stated that it would be a major relief if Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, its 2023 presidential candidate, officially joins the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s position was made public in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, on Sunday in Lagos.
Olaposi’s remarks followed the resignation of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, which has stirred speculation linking his exit to a possible deal involving Kwankwaso’s move to the APC.
Although Ganduje cited health reasons for his resignation, Olaposi hinted that the NNPP is compelled to respond due to Kwankwaso’s ongoing association with the party despite being expelled over alleged anti-party activities.
According to the NNPP, Kwankwaso not only attempted to hijack the party but also dragged it into prolonged and unnecessary legal disputes. “The logo which Kwankwaso replaced with his Kwankwasiyya emblem has only just been restored to the official NNPP symbol by INEC after years of legal tussles,” Olaposi stated.
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former NNPP presidential candidate, amid speculations of defection to APC.
He dismissed claims that Ganduje’s resignation was designed to pave way for Kwankwaso’s smooth entry into the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, but added that such a defection would be welcomed.
“If Kwankwaso’s alleged negotiations with APC are true, NNPP members would be relieved. The APC is better equipped to manage the burdens Kwankwaso brings,” Olaposi noted.
