The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has categorically stated that its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be allowed to contest on the party’s platform in the 2027 presidential election.
The NNPP National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, made the position clear in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, stressing that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket would be open only to bona fide members.
Olaposi explained that although Kwankwaso flew the NNPP presidential flag in 2023, circumstances had since changed due to disagreements between the party and the Kwankwasiya Movement.
According to him, the NNPP entered into a Memorandum of Association with the Kwankwasiya Movement in 2022 solely for electoral purposes, and the agreement expired after the 2023 general elections.
He said alleged anti-party activities by members of the Kwankwasiya Movement after the polls led to the expulsion of key figures, including Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima and others, noting that the expulsions 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 several intending presidential aspirants, including two from the NNPP diaspora, and remains open to more aspirants and possible alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
Olaposi added that the NNPP was willing to collaborate with other political parties that share similar ideologies, but insisted that such engagements must follow due process.
Reacting to reports credited to Kwankwaso suggesting that any party seeking his defection must offer him its presidential ticket, Olaposi described the claim as laughable.
He argued that Kwankwaso lacked nationwide electoral appeal, alleging that his political influence was limited and increasingly diminished, even within Kano State.
“Kwankwaso does not have the national selling capacity of President Bola Tinubu. His influence in Kano State is overrated, as many strategic members of the Kwankwasiya Movement have already defected to the APC,” Olaposi stated.
He maintained that President Tinubu and the APC’s prospects for 2027 would be driven by performance in office rather than individual influence.
Olaposi urged political parties interested in alliances with the NNPP ahead of 2027 to engage only with the party’s recognised National Working Committee, which he said had been affirmed by the courts.
“Kwankwaso and his group remain expelled and cannot negotiate on behalf of the NNPP. All alliances for 2027 will be determined solely by the NNPP National Working Committee,” he said.
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