The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has publicly disassociated itself from former prominent member Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following his allegations about facilitating a meeting between a state governor and Supreme Court justices. The party issued a stern clarification over the weekend, stating Kwankwaso could not have represented the NNPP during the 2019 incident he described.
In a statement by National Secretary Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the NNPP rejected any linkage to the controversy and urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to remove the party’s name from a related police petition. “Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was not a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party in 2019 when he allegedly committed the offence,” the statement read.
The party detailed that Kwankwaso only joined the NNPP shortly before the 2023 general elections, alongside figures like Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. It emphasized that he was never a founder, identifying Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam as the sole authentic founder. The NNPP accused Kwankwaso of attempting to seize control after joining, citing his unilateral alteration of the party’s logo and colours to align with his personal political movement, the Kwankwasiyya, without authorization from the founder or Board of Trustees.
The statement referenced past internal conflicts, noting that a faction aligned with Kwankwaso had unsuccessfully challenged the validity of the party’s national convention in court. The Federal Capital Territory High Court dismissed that case.
Reiterating its position, the NNPP confirmed Kwankwaso is no longer a member, having been expelled shortly after the 2023 elections for “gross misconduct.” The party stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating related issues. It reaffirmed its recognized leadership structure, with Dr. Aniebonam as Founder and Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Agbo Gilbert Major as National Chairman, and Comrade Oginni as National Secretary.
“Senator Kwankwaso has long been expelled from the NNPP and should no longer be addressed as the National Leader of our great party,” the statement declared. The move underscores an ongoing effort by the party’s leadership to consolidate its identity and distance itself from the legal and political controversies involving its former high-profile member.
