The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has voiced strong disapproval over a recent visit by its former presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the NNPP, in a statement released on Sunday, described the November 9 meeting as a “deceptive ploy” aimed at manipulating the party’s ongoing internal conflict.
This visit comes amid escalating tensions within the NNPP, which have resulted in a severe leadership crisis. A faction of the party recently expelled Kwankwaso, along with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and several key members of the movement─a political group led by Kwankwaso himself. The expulsion has sparked a heated power struggle, with accusations flying about Kwankwaso’s attempts to hijack the party’s leadership for personal gain.
The NNPP’s crisis has deepened, particularly following a contentious ruling by the Abia State High Court. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer the party’s administration to its Board of Trustees (BoT), led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. This ruling, according to the NNPP’s 2022 constitution, effectively stripped Kwankwaso and his allies of any leadership role within the party.
Reacting to this development, the NWC issued a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, denouncing Kwankwaso’s visit to Governor Otti. “Kwankwaso’s visit is nothing but a deceptive attempt to manipulate the recent court ruling,” Abdulrazaq said. He argued that Kwankwaso, despite being expelled, was still attempting to exert influence over the party’s national executive, an act the NWC described as “irresponsibility and impersonation.”
The NWC also urged Governor Otti to steer clear of the NNPP’s internal disputes. “Governor Otti is a democrat who respects the rule of law, and we believe he understands the importance of non-interference in party affairs,” the statement added, warning against any efforts by Kwankwaso to destabilize the NNPP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NWC accused Kwankwaso of attempting to exploit his influence within the NNPP since he joined the party in 2022. According to the committee, his agenda has been to “hijack” the party’s structure for his personal ambitions, betraying the trust of its founders. “Had he truly adhered to democratic principles, he would not have tried to seize control of the party,” the NWC stated.
The committee expressed concerns over Kwankwaso’s alleged efforts to create internal discord, particularly in the Kano State chapter of the NNPP. Reports indicate that members in Kano have been vocal about Kwankwaso’s overbearing influence, calling on Governor Yusuf to curb the former presidential candidate’s interference. The NWC emphasized that such internal strife is detrimental to the party’s unity and could harm its prospects in future elections.
Central to the ongoing conflict is the Abia State High Court’s ruling, which mandated INEC to shift control of the party’s administration to the BoT, led by Dr. Aniebonam. The NWC reiterated that this court order was binding, asserting that any attempt by Kwankwaso to undermine it was a violation of legal procedures. “The judgment binds INEC, which is mandated to regulate political parties and their activities,” the NWC stated, highlighting the need for Kwankwaso to address any grievances through the legal system instead of political manoeuvring.
The NWC reaffirmed its recognition of Dr. Aniebonam as the legitimate chairman of the BoT and the founder of the NNPP. They insisted that the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his associates was final. “For the avoidance of doubt, INEC alone has the locus standi to appeal the court’s compelling order,” the committee declared, underscoring the legal authority of the electoral body over party administration issues.
The NWC also addressed Kwankwaso’s recent remarks during his visit to Abia State, where he urged newly appointed police officers to act with a “fear of God.” The committee labelled these comments as hypocritical, pointing out that Kwankwaso’s actions within the party contradicted this principle. “Had Kwankwaso genuinely practiced what he preached, he would not have attempted to hijack the party for his personal gain,” the NWC criticized.
The committee cautioned Governor Otti against aligning with Kwankwaso’s faction, stressing that any involvement in the NNPP’s internal matters could have legal and political consequences. “We advise Governor Otti to avoid entangling himself in the internal affairs of the NNPP. Our party issues should be resolved through appropriate legal channels,” the NWC stated, reiterating its commitment to restoring stability within the party.
