THE presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed speculation about defecting to another political party, declaring that he remains committed to strengthening the NNPP ahead of the 2027 polls.
News Point Nigeria reports that speaking during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso said he was aware of rumours that he would make a “critical decision” on his political future, but insisted the reports were false.
“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,” he said.
The former Kano governor stressed that any negotiation ahead of the 2027 general election would be a collective decision, not an individual affair.
“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 Kwankwasiyya today that I know, or even in NNPP, who is saying that, ‘yes, I want to go,’” Kwankwaso added.
He also urged party faithful not to be distracted by the “hype of defections” in Nigerian politics, warning that many who jump ship lack political depth and experience.
Kwankwaso cited his 2003 loss of the Kano governorship, even as an incumbent, due to overwhelming support for the late President Muhammadu Buhari, as an instructive political lesson.
He explained that his comeback in 2011 as governor showed that patience and resilience mattered in politics.
“That was a good lesson for everybody. Nigerians have already made up their minds about 2027. Reality will determine the people’s votes,” he stated.
The party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, also addressed the gathering, declaring that the NNPP had gained “focused direction” under Kwankwaso’s leadership and was ready to clinch victory in 2027.
Similarly, National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed described the NNPP as the “beautiful bride of Nigerian politics and democracy”, noting that its growing influence positioned it as a major contender in the next election cycle.
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 event was attended by NEC-elected party officials and a delegation of observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).