Kwankwaso Denies Defection as NNPP Rifts Deepen

ABUJA — Amid persistent speculation over his political future, former presidential candidate and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports of any formal alliance or defection agreement with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The denial comes against the backdrop of rising internal discord within the NNPP and a series of defections involving key members of the party.

In a statement disavowing any political realignment, Kwankwaso described circulating claims of his defection as “the imagination of falsehood and fragmentation of political mischief,” insisting he had neither authorised nor issued any statement regarding a move to the APC. His reaction followed a press release purportedly signed by one Ibrahim Rabu, which he unequivocally rejected as unauthorised.

The recent defection of NNPP House of Representatives members Kabiru Usman and Abdullah Suni to the APC has amplified concerns over the party's stability. Their exits, confirmed during a House plenary by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, add to speculation that more high-profile departures are imminent. Abbas, during the session, predicted further realignments favouring the ruling party in the coming months.

Speaking in an appearance on Arise News, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson addressed the growing uncertainty surrounding the party, dismissing narratives of disintegration. He attributed the defections to opportunism rather than systemic collapse and described departing figures such as Senator Sumaila Kawu as “beneficiaries of Kwankwaso’s political goodwill.”

“Kawu was with the APC. After their primaries, he defected and secured a senatorial seat under the NNPP. Now he’s returned to the APC. But this is not a bloodbath. These are isolated movements,” Johnson said.

He added that contrary to reports, many grassroots supporters in Kano—NNPP’s stronghold—remain loyal to the party, and noted that new entrants, including retired military officers and youth beneficiaries of the Kwankwasiyya scholarship programme, continue to swell the ranks.

Johnson also accused the Dr. Boniface Aniebonam-led faction of acting as political saboteurs with ties to the APC, citing repeated legal and public campaigns by the splinter group aimed at discrediting the Kwankwaso-led leadership.

“At every juncture—from the Supreme Court matter to the Sanusi reinstatement controversy to local council elections—Aniebonam’s group has aligned with the APC. Now they’ve gone as far as issuing a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and APC officials, supposedly on behalf of Kwankwaso. That’s not just misinformation, it’s political subservience,” he said.

Pressed further on the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections, Johnson acknowledged the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political alliances but maintained that the NNPP had not adopted any formal posture regarding mergers or coalitions.

“We haven’t ruled anything out. Politics is about timing. We’re engaging with various groups quietly. When the time is right, any necessary compromises will be made—not for self-preservation, but in the national interest,” he noted.

Responding to claims that former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s presence in the APC was deterring Kwankwaso from joining, Johnson described the speculation as overly simplistic.

“Each time Kwankwaso has changed parties, he’s moved to the opposition, never for ‘stomach infrastructure.’ Whatever one thinks of him, he’s a principled actor,” he stated.

He also pushed back against criticism from expelled NNPP members like Ajuji Ahmed and A.A. Aniebonam, who have challenged Kwankwaso’s authority and legitimacy as party leader.

“They’ve been expelled. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises our current leadership, our logo, and our constitution. Those who keep speaking for the defunct structure are doing APC’s work,” Johnson argued.

As political alignments continue to shift ahead of 2027, Johnson said the NNPP remains open to strategic partnerships, including possible talks with other opposition figures. However, he noted that such negotiations must remain discreet until a firm direction is decided.

“Kwankwaso may run, or he may not. That decision hasn’t been made. If not, he could support another candidate. But what’s certain is that our party will not dissolve into irrelevance. The next move will be strategic,” Johnson concluded.