NNPP Chairman: Kwankwaso Is Not Defecting to APC

The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has said the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is not leaving for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Ahmed made the statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television. He directly addressed the persistent rumours, clarifying the party’s position. The Chairman insists the reports about NNPP Kwankwaso defection are unfounded. Instead, he said the NNPP is open to a coalition with other parties.

The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has dismissed reports that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is defecting. Kwankwaso, he confirmed, is not leaving for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ahmed clarified the party’s position in an interview on Tuesday. He said Kwankwaso’s recent remarks did not signal a defection. Instead, he confirmed the NNPP is exploring several options, including a coalition with other political groups.

Kwankwaso’s Options for 2027

The NNPP Chairman outlined the party’s strategic plans. He stated that the party has three key options on the table ahead of the next general election.

“One of the options is probably what he referred to,” Ahmed said. “The other option is to go into coalition with any other party that has the same philosophy and objective that we have and join them.” The third option, he confirmed, is for the NNPP to contest the elections alone.

Ahmed moved to clarify a previous comment made by Kwankwaso in Kano. He said Kwankwaso only explained one of the three options.

“Kwankwaso only said that if the APC invites his attention, he will give them the attention,” Ahmed noted. However, this attention comes with a crucial condition. The APC must offer a “concrete guarantee” that the interests of NNPP party members will be taken care of. It is not just about an invitation for Kwankwaso alone.