The New Nigeria Peoples Party has said that its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not be allowed to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
The party’s National Secretary, Mr Ogini Olaposi, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos. He said the NNPP’s presidential ticket for 2027 would only be available to genuine and recognised members of the party.
Olaposi explained that although Kwankwaso was the NNPP’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, the situation had changed due to unresolved disagreements between the party and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to him, the NNPP entered into an agreement with the Kwankwasiyya Movement in 2022 ahead of the last general election, but that arrangement ended after the polls. He added that actions taken by some members of the movement after the election led to serious internal crises.
“After the presidential election, some members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement engaged in activities that went against the party. This led to the expulsion of some top figures, including Kwankwaso and others, and that decision still stands,” Olaposi said.
He stressed that unlike in 2023, when the party’s ticket was reserved for Kwankwaso, the NNPP would adopt an open process ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party already had interested aspirants, including two members based outside Nigeria.
Olaposi also stated that the NNPP was open to working with other political parties that share similar ideas and goals. He added that discussions on alliances would be handled only by the party’s recognised leadership.
Reacting to comments credited to Kwankwaso about possible defection, Olaposi dismissed claims that the former Kano State governor could demand a presidential ticket from any party he joins. He described such remarks as unrealistic.
He further argued that Kwankwaso no longer has strong political influence, especially in Kano State, noting that several key members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement have since joined the All Progressives Congress.
According to Olaposi, President Bola Tinubu and the APC are relying on performance in government as their main strength ahead of the 2027 election, not on individual political figures.
He also warned that any political party seeking an alliance with the NNPP must deal directly with its National Working Committee, which he said is recognised by the courts.
“Kwankwaso and his group are no longer members of the NNPP and cannot speak or negotiate on behalf of the party,” he said.
The statement comes amid reports that opposition figures from different parties are being approached by the African Democratic Congress ahead of 2027. Kwankwaso had recently told supporters in Kano that he was open to joining any opposition coalition willing to offer him a presidential or vice presidential ticket.