Kwankwaso Betrayed Our Trust — Let APC Take Him, Says NNPP

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has said it would be a welcome relief if its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally defects to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This position was made clear in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the NNPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi. He was reacting to the recent resignation of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the swirling speculation that his exit may be linked to ongoing negotiations with Kwankwaso. Ganduje stepped down from his role on Friday, citing health-related concerns. However, Olaposi noted that while the resignation remains an internal matter for the APC, the NNPP was compelled to respond due to Kwankwaso’s controversial involvement with both parties. "Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party, even after he was expelled for alleged anti-party activities," Olaposi said. "He not only attempted to hijack the NNPP but also dragged the party into needless and prolonged litigations." He pointed out that Kwankwaso had previously altered the party’s logo to reflect his personal political group, the Kwankwasiyya Movement. This change, however, was recently reversed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), restoring the original NNPP logo after years of legal battles. Reacting to speculations surrounding a possible arrangement between Ganduje and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections, Olaposi expressed skepticism. "It is hard to believe that Kwankwaso, who is still fighting to dominate the NNPP, is also in talks to join the APC." He recalled that Ganduje had previously stated the APC’s willingness to welcome back defectors, suggesting that such a move by Kwankwaso would not be surprising. “Frankly, we would be glad if any deal between APC and Kwankwaso materializes,” Olaposi said. “The APC is better positioned to handle the political baggage that comes with him. For us, it would be a great relief.” He concluded by accusing Kwankwaso of betraying the party’s trust, particularly that of NNPP founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who granted him the platform to contest the 2023 presidential election.