The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has ruled out Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from contesting its presidential ticket in the 2027 general election, insisting that his expulsion from the party remains in force.
The party said while its 2027 presidential race is open to members, Kwankwaso its flagbearer in the 2023 election would not be considered due to unresolved disputes between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The NNPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.
Why NNPP Says Kwankwaso Is Not Eligible
Olaposi said the party entered into a Memorandum of Association with the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2023 elections, but the agreement expired after the polls.
According to him, disagreements escalated after the presidential election, leading to disciplinary action against key figures of the movement.
“Anti-party activities by some members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement after the presidential elections led to the expulsion of top members, including Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima and others,” Olaposi said.
“That expulsion has not been reversed.”
‘No Automatic Ticket in 2027’
The NNPP said it would not repeat the 2023 arrangement where the presidential ticket was handed to a single aspirant.
“The NNPP ticket for 2027 is open to all members, unlike in 2023 when it was solely given to Kwankwaso,” Olaposi said.
He added that the party already has several interested presidential aspirants, including two from the NNPP diaspora, and remains open to additional contenders.
Party Dismisses Kwankwaso’s Defection Claims
Olaposi also dismissed claims credited to Kwankwaso suggesting that any party seeking his defection — including the All Progressives Congress (APC) — must be ready to offer him its presidential ticket.
“It is laughable that Kwankwaso is saying that if he must defect to any political party, including the APC, they must offer him their presidential tickets,” he said.
NNPP Downplays Kwankwaso’s Political Influence
The party further questioned Kwankwaso’s political relevance, particularly in Kano State, where he previously wielded significant influence.
Olaposi argued that Kwankwaso’s political strength has declined, citing defections of key Kwankwasiyya figures to the APC.
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“Kwankwaso does not have the selling capacity like President Bola Tinubu nationwide, with his alleged one million votes in Kano State,” he said.
“His influence as a former governor of Kano State is long gone and cannot affect Tinubu’s votes in Kano in 2027.”
NNPP Speaks on 2027 Alliances
The NNPP reiterated its openness to political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections but said all negotiations must be handled by its recognised leadership.
Olaposi said the party’s National Working Committee, which he noted has court backing, remains the only body authorised to negotiate alliances.
“Kwankwaso and his group remain expelled and cannot negotiate for the NNPP,” he said.
“The NNPP National Working Committee will decide on all alliances in 2027.”
