The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced that its 2023 presidential flag bearer, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not be permitted to contest the 2027 presidential election under the NNPP platform.
This position was made public by the party’s National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, in a statement released on Sunday, January 11, in Lagos. He emphasized that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket would be reserved strictly for genuine members of the NNPP.
Olaposi noted that, unlike the 2023 election cycle when the ticket was automatically given to Kwankwaso, the next presidential nomination would be open to all eligible party members interested in vying for the position.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s disqualification is tied to unresolved issues between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which, he said, had since ended its affiliation with the party.
“Kwankwaso, who represented the NNPP in 2023, will not be allowed to do so again in 2027 because of the disagreements between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement,” he stated.
Olaposi explained that both groups signed a Memorandum of Association in 2022, but the arrangement expired after the conclusion of the 2023 general elections.
He added that alleged anti-party activities carried out by members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement after the polls compelled the NNPP to expel key figures, including Kwankwaso.
“Post-election anti-party activities by some members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement led to the expulsion of prominent individuals such as Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima, and others, and these expulsions still stand,” he added.
The NNPP national secretary revealed that the party already has prospective presidential aspirants preparing for 2027, including two members based abroad.
“We already have individuals showing interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027, including two NNPP members in the diaspora. We remain open to more aspirants as well as possible alliances,” he said.
He further stated that the NNPP was willing to partner with other political parties that align ideologically with its objectives.
“The NNPP is ready to collaborate with other parties that share similar principles ahead of the 2027 elections,” Olaposi noted.
Reacting to Kwankwaso’s earlier claim that any party he joins must grant him its presidential ticket, Olaposi dismissed the comment as unrealistic.
“It is amusing to hear Kwankwaso say that any party he defects to, including the APC, must hand him its presidential ticket,” he said.
Olaposi also asserted that Kwankwaso lacks the nationwide political appeal necessary to secure widespread support, especially when compared to President Bola Tinubu.
“Kwankwaso does not have the national electoral strength of President Tinubu, even with his so-called one million votes in Kano,” he stated.
He added that Kwankwaso’s political relevance in Kano State had diminished significantly, pointing out that several influential Kwankwasiyya members had already defected to the APC.
“Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano is overstated at this point because many of the key actors within the Kwankwasiyya Movement have joined the APC,” he said.
According to Olaposi, the APC’s advantage in the 2027 elections would come from governance outcomes rather than any political powerhouse.
“President Tinubu’s and the APC’s appeal in 2027 will be based on their performance in office, not political intimidation,” he added.
He also argued that Kwankwaso’s past tenure as governor will have no negative effect on Tinubu’s support base in Kano.
“Kwankwaso’s influence as a former governor has faded and will not reduce Tinubu’s votes in Kano State come 2027,” he said.
Olaposi also cautioned political parties seeking partnerships with the NNPP ahead of the next general election to engage only with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
He maintained that the NWC is the only recognized legal authority empowered to make decisions on alliances.
“Kwankwaso and his allies remain expelled and have no authority to negotiate on behalf of the NNPP. Only the National Working Committee can make alliance decisions for 2027,” he said.
This development comes amid fresh reports that influential politicians, including Kwankwaso, are being approached by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
These reports gained traction after Kwankwaso stated during a public event in Kano last Saturday that he was open to joining any opposition coalition willing to offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Kwankwaso made these remarks while addressing his supporters amid speculation that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf may also be considering a defection, as he outlined the conditions under which he would join any opposition alliance.
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