The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has stated that it would welcome the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NNPP National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.
His reaction follows the resignation of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, amid speculations that his exit was linked to alleged plans for Kwankwaso to join the party. Ganduje resigned from his position on Friday, citing health reasons.
Olaposi explained that while Ganduje’s resignation remains an internal matter for the APC, it was necessary to address it due to Kwankwaso’s links with both parties.
“Kwankwaso still insists he is a member of our party even after his expulsion for alleged anti-party activities,” he said.
He accused Kwankwaso of attempting to hijack the NNPP and dragging the party into avoidable litigations.
“The NNPP logo that he changed to the Kwankwasiya Movement logo has just been restored by INEC after years of controversy and legal battles,” Olaposi added.
He further described reports suggesting Ganduje’s resignation was to facilitate Kwankwaso’s entry into the APC ahead of the 2027 elections as propaganda.
“It is on record that Ganduje once said the APC is always ready to pardon and accommodate defectors, even those who left its fold,” he said.
Olaposi stressed that the NNPP would be relieved if any proposed deal between Kwankwaso and the APC materialised, noting that the ruling party was better positioned to handle the former Kano State governor’s political burden.
