By Peter Omopo
29th August 2025
National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports suggesting he plans to defect from the party, insisting he remains firmly committed to its leadership and future.
Kwankwaso made the clarification on Thursday at the NNPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he assured members that the party was making significant progress in Kano and other states.
“Let me take this opportunity to tell you that we have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy. We are ready to do whatever it takes because we are not in a hurry,” he said.
The former Kano State governor emphasised that any discussions regarding alliances ahead of the 2027 general election would be a collective decision, reflecting the supremacy of the party. He urged members not to be distracted by political defections elsewhere, describing such moves as driven by inexperience.
Kwankwaso also reflected on his 2003 electoral loss as a sitting governor, attributing it to the influence of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. He noted that his eventual return to power in 2011 was a lesson in patience and resilience, stressing that Nigerians would decide 2027 “based on reality.”
In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics” and encouraged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, claimed that despite political challenges, the NNPP remained strong, citing alleged manipulation of two recent by-elections in the state. He expressed optimism that the party would reclaim its “stolen mandate.”
The NNPP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, added that the party was “gaining a focused direction” under Kwankwaso’s leadership and was fully prepared for victory in 2027.
Highlights of the NEC meeting included the appointment of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, as well as the extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure. The gathering was attended by NNPP elected officers and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
