The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has clarified its position on alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, following a statement by its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. According to the party’s factional National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, Kwankwaso does not have the authority to negotiate alliances on behalf of the party.

Kwankwaso had announced at a meeting of his Kwankwasiyya group in Abuja that the NNPP was open to forming alliances in 2027. However, Major has disputed this claim, stating that any decisions made by Kwankwaso’s group are null and void. The party’s national executive has been at odds with Kwankwaso’s movement over the issue of leadership, with the party claiming that the Memorandum of Understanding with the movement expired after the 2023 general elections.

Major has accused Kwankwaso of using the NNPP’s name to negotiate and make comments that may cause unrest in the country. He cited Kwankwaso’s recent statement accusing the Federal Government of neglecting the North in projects as an example. The national chairman emphasized that the party is still awaiting a response from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to its letter demanding that the commission recognize the new leadership of the party, which was elected at a court-ordered convention.

The NNPP has warned that any individual or group entering into an alliance with Kwankwaso’s group does so at their own risk. Major stated that the party is open to all Nigerians and will provide equal opportunities for aspirants to participate in primaries. He also cautioned that the party will not allow betrayals of its ticket, as occurred in 2023.

The party’s position on alliances is that it is open to forming partnerships with other political parties if necessary, but not for personal vendettas. Major urged INEC to uphold the rule of law and recognize the new leadership of the party. The ongoing leadership dispute within the NNPP is likely to have significant implications for the party’s future and its ability to participate in upcoming elections.