National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed speculations of his defection, insisting he remains committed to the party.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso described recent reports suggesting he was set to leave the NNPP as “fake news.” He noted that the party was performing well in Kano and other states, stressing that it was united and not in a hurry to make political moves.
“We have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy. We are ready to do whatever it takes because we are not in a hurry,” he said.
The former Kano State governor emphasised that decisions ahead of the 2027 elections would be taken collectively, in line with party supremacy. “If there will be any negotiation, it will be collective. It will not be only for the negotiators but for the entire NNPP family,” he added.
Kwankwaso urged members not to be swayed by the “hype” of defections, recalling his own political setbacks in 2003 when he lost his re-election bid as Kano governor, only to return to office eight years later.
He said the experience underscored the importance of patience and resilience in politics.
The NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics” and urged citizens to register for their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of 2027.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, alleged that the party was unfairly denied victory in two recent by-elections in the state but expressed confidence that the mandate would be restored.
Also speaking, the NNPP’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, said the party was gaining stronger focus under Kwankwaso’s leadership and was well positioned for success in the next general election.
The NEC meeting also featured the appointment of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, as well as the extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure.