Abuja, Nigeria – The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has debunked speculation about his defection to another political platform, insisting that he remains fully committed to the NNPP.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso said recent rumours of his exit were baseless, stressing that the party continues to record successes, particularly in Kano and other states.
“Many people came here expecting I would make a major announcement about leaving the NNPP. But let me use 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,” Kwankwaso declared.
He emphasised that any political negotiation ahead of the 2027 general elections would be undertaken collectively and not as a personal decision.
“If there will be any negotiation, it will be collective. It will not be only for the negotiators but for the entire members of this NNPP family. The fact remains that there is nobody in Kwankwasia today, or in NNPP, that I know who is saying, ‘I want to go,’” he said.
The former Kano State governor urged party members to ignore the constant hype surrounding political defections, noting that many of those speculating lacked experience.
“Those people don’t understand, and they don’t have much experience. They believe they know, when in reality, they don’t. Even if they are interested in knowing, I think they should come and ask one of us,” he added.
Kwankwaso also reflected on his political journey, recalling his 2003 governorship defeat in Kano despite being an incumbent, largely due to the popularity of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He noted that his eventual return to office in 2011 was a lesson in patience and resilience.
According to him, Nigerians have already made up their minds about the 2027 polls, stressing that “reality will determine the people’s votes.”
In his remarks, the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, described the NNPP as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics and democracy,” saying the party was waxing stronger as 2027 approaches. He urged citizens to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to secure their participation in the electoral process.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, echoed similar optimism. He alleged that although the NNPP won two recent by-elections in the state, the party was denied victory. He, however, expressed confidence that the “stolen mandate” would eventually be restored.
