The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has rejected media reports suggesting that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demanded the vice-presidential slot as a precondition for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The allegations, published in several national newspapers, claim Kwankwaso, a prominent national figure and leader of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement, made the demand during negotiations with President Bola Tinubu’s camp.
In a formal statement, NNPP National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson labelled the reports as “blatant lies” and a calculated effort by political actors to damage Kwankwaso’s reputation. Johnson asserted that Kwankwaso has no intention of leaving the NNPP and has not held any discussions with President Tinubu or his representatives regarding a defection or vice-presidential ambitions.
The party clarified that Kwankwaso’s most recent meeting with the President occurred in January 2024, a routine encounter that did not involve any conversation about switching parties. “The last time he met with the President was in January 2024, and there was no discussion whatsoever about defecting to the APC,” Johnson stated.
He further alleged that the rumours were likely propagated by individuals who have themselves recently joined the APC, suggesting a motive to create confusion. The NNPP accused unnamed political elites of orchestrating a smear campaign through “lies and half-baked opinions” in the media, describing it as a “hatchet job” aimed at undermining Kwankwaso’s future political influence and thwarting potential opposition alliances.
Johnson Called the published reports “hogwash,” alleging they were sponsored to tarnish Kwankwaso’s image as a man of integrity committed to public service. He emphasised that Kwankwaso’s support base, particularly among ordinary Nigerians, remains solid and unaffected by such narratives.
The party urged the public to disregard what it termed “media orchestrations,” whether framed as news or opinion pieces, warning they peddle misleading information. This denial underscores ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, where speculation about high-profile defections frequently surfaces ahead of election cycles. The NNPP’s robust rebuttal seeks to reaffirm its stability and Kwankwaso’s continued commitment to the party’s platform as it positions itself as a key opposition force to the APC.
