The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced that its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be allowed to contest the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential election. According to NNPP National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, the party’s 2027 presidential ticket will be open to all bonafide members wishing to contest.
Olaposi stated that the NNPP had entered into a Memorandum of Association with the Kwankwasiya Movement in 2022, which expired after the polls. He noted that anti-party activities by some members of the Kwankwasiya movement after the presidential elections led to the expulsion of top members, including Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima, which has not been reversed.
The NNPP national secretary emphasized that the party’s ticket for 2027 is open to all members, unlike in 2023 when it was solely given to Kwankwaso. He revealed that the party already has intending presidential aspirants, including two from the NNPP diaspora, and is open to more, including alliances with sister political parties that have similar ideologies.
Olaposi also responded to Kwankwaso’s statement that he would only join another party if they offered him their presidential ticket, saying it is laughable. He argued that Kwankwaso does not have the same level of national influence as President Bola Tinubu and that his influence in Kano state is overrated. Olaposi pointed out that many strategic members of the Kwankwasiya movement have already defected to the APC.
The NNPP national secretary urged political parties wishing to enter into an alliance with the NNPP in 2027 to do so through the party’s credible National Working Committee, which has been endorsed by the courts. He reiterated that Kwankwaso and his group remain expelled and cannot negotiate on behalf of the NNPP. The party’s National Working Committee will decide all alliances in 2027.
This development comes as the NNPP prepares for the 2027 presidential election, with the party seeking to build alliances and strengthen its position. The NNPP’s decision to open its ticket to all members and explore alliances with other parties may have significant implications for the 2027 election landscape. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the NNPP’s moves are likely to be closely watched by political observers and analysts.
