NNPP to APC: Take Kwankwaso We’re Better Off Without His Baggage

By Amina Ojelabi

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has welcomed the possibility of its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it would be a “relief” for the party.

This stance was revealed in a strongly worded statement issued Sunday by the NNPP National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi, following the resignation of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Friday.

While Ganduje cited health reasons for stepping down, speculations are rife that his resignation may be tied to behind-the-scenes political negotiations involving Kwankwaso a former governor of Kano State and his possible return to the APC.

Although Olaposi acknowledged Ganduje’s resignation as an internal affair of the APC, he emphasized that the NNPP could not remain silent given Kwankwaso’s ongoing controversies with the party, even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities.

“We have every reason to doubt claims that Ganduje stepped aside to pave way for a backdoor deal with Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections,” Olaposi said.

“It’s no secret that Ganduje once labeled Kwankwaso a prodigal son, and perhaps the APC is willing to embrace such individuals but let it be known, NNPP will be glad to hand him over.”

Olaposi accused Kwankwaso of attempting to hijack the NNPP, despite being expelled, and questioned his continued political relevance in Kano.

“What does it take for Kwankwaso to understand that the Kwankwasiyya Movement is currently impotent and irrelevant in Kano State politics?” he asked.

“He’s fighting a lost battle, and the coalition within the NNPP has firmly rejected him.”

The NNPP scribe said Kwankwaso’s interest in joining the APC only confirms he is using the party as a bargaining chip to stay politically relevant ahead of 2027.

“Kwankwaso betrayed a party that gave him a presidential ticket in 2023 and tried to hijack it from its founder, Such a man cannot be trusted,” Dr. Boniface Aniebonam said”

Olaposi concluded by advising Kwankwaso to either align with a pressure group or form his own political party, possibly under the banner of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

“His nature makes it impossible for him to work under anyone. So even if he joins another party, it will only be a matter of time before he walks away again,” he added.