The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed that it would be a considerable relief for its members if their 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was stated by the NNPP National Secretary, Mr Oginni Olaposi, in a statement made on Sunday in Lagos.
Olaposi was reacting to the resignation of the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, amid speculations that he left the ruling party due to an alleged manoeuvre by Kwankwaso to join them.
Ganduje resigned from his position as chairman of the APC on Friday, citing health concerns.
Olaposi noted that while the resignation is an internal matter for the APC, the NNPP felt compelled to respond due to the ongoing issues between the party and Kwankwaso.
“Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities.
“He not only attempted to hijack the NNPP but also subjected the party to unnecessary litigations.
“The NNPP logo that he altered to the Kwankwasiya Movement logo has just been reverted to our logo by the INEC, following years of controversy and legal disputes.
“We have reasons to question the current narrative that Ganduje left the APC to facilitate an alleged negotiated arrangement with Kwankwaso in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election.
“It is on record that Ganduje once stated that the APC is always prepared to pardon and accommodate defectors, even those who have departed its ranks.”
Olaposi affirmed that the NNPP would be pleased if any proposed agreement between the APC and Kwankwaso were to materialise, as the ruling party is in a better position to manage the former Kano State governor’s complexities.
“We find it hard to believe that Kwankwaso, who is still striving to take control of the NNPP, is also negotiating to join the ruling party.
“Kwankwaso has betrayed our trust by attempting to usurp the party from its founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, who provided him with a free ticket for the 2023 presidential election.”
