By Ibrahim Ibrahim
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has ruled out its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from contesting on the party’s platform in the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, the National Secretary of the party, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, said the NNPP’s 2027 presidential ticket would be open only to bona fide members of the party.
Olaposi explained that Kwankwaso would not be eligible to fly the party’s flag in 2027 due to unresolved disagreements between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to him, the party’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, signed in 2022 ahead of the 2023 elections, expired after the polls.
He added that alleged anti-party activities by some members of the movement after the election led to the expulsion of key figures, including Kwankwaso and elder statesman Buba Galadima, a decision he said had not been reversed.
“The NNPP ticket for 2027 is open to all qualified members, unlike in 2023 when it was solely given to Kwankwaso,” Olaposi said.
He disclosed that the party already has interested presidential aspirants, including two from the NNPP diaspora, and remains open to more aspirants as well as possible alliances.
Olaposi dismissed claims credited to Kwankwaso that any party he joins must hand him its presidential ticket, describing such statements as unrealistic.
He also downplayed Kwankwaso’s political influence, particularly in Kano State, arguing that several key members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s prospects for 2027 would be driven by performance in office rather than individual political influence.
The NNPP national secretary urged political parties seeking alliances ahead of 2027 to engage with the party’s National Working Committee, which he said is recognised by the courts.
“Kwankwaso and his group remain expelled and cannot negotiate on behalf of the NNPP. All decisions on alliances for 2027 will be taken by the party’s National Working Committee,” Olaposi added.
NAN
