NNPP Accuses Kwankwaso of Betrayal, Says Party Ready to Let Him Join APC

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says it is open to letting former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of betraying the party’s trust.

This position was made known by the NNPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Oginni Olaposi, during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday. He was reacting to the resignation of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and growing speculation that Kwankwaso may be plotting a return to the APC.

Ganduje stepped down on Friday, citing health issues. However, Olaposi claimed the resignation may be linked to a backdoor political deal that could pave the way for Kwankwaso’s defection.

“Kwankwaso still insists he’s a member of our party, even after being expelled for anti-party activities,” Olaposi said.

He accused Kwankwaso of attempting to hijack the NNPP, dragging the party into avoidable legal battles, and replacing its official logo with that of his Kwankwasiya Movement.

“The NNPP logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiya symbol has just been restored by INEC after years of controversy and litigation,” he added.

Olaposi dismissed the official explanation behind Ganduje’s resignation, saying the party suspects it’s part of a strategic move to smoothen Kwankwaso’s return to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We doubt the claims that Ganduje resigned purely for health reasons. There are signs this could be tied to a negotiated arrangement involving Kwankwaso,” he said.

He also recalled that Ganduje had previously stated that the APC was willing to welcome back defectors, even those who had once left under contentious circumstances.

Concluding, Olaposi said the NNPP would gladly see Kwankwaso exit the party officially, stating:
“Kwankwaso betrayed the trust we placed in him. He tried to hijack a party he didn’t build — a party founded by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who gave him a free presidential ticket in 2023.”