Mr Ogini Olaposi, National Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has declared that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be allowed to contest on its platform in the 2027 presidential election.
Olaposi made the position known in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the NNPP’s 2027 presidential ticket would be open only to bona fide party members interested in contesting the presidency and other elective offices.
According to him, Kwankwaso, who flew the NNPP flag in the 2023 election, is no longer eligible following unresolved disagreements between the party and the Kwankwasiya Movement.
Olaposi explained that the NNPP entered into a Memorandum of Association with the Kwankwasiya Movement in 2022, which expired after the general election.
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He said alleged anti-party activities by some leaders of the Kwankwasiya Movement after the polls led to the expulsion of top figures, including Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima, adding that the expulsions had not been reversed.
“The NNPP ticket for 2027 is open to all members, unlike in 2023 when it was solely given to Kwankwaso,” Olaposi said.
He disclosed that the party already has presidential aspirants, including two from its diaspora chapter, and remains open to more aspirants and possible alliances.
Olaposi added that the NNPP is willing to collaborate with other political parties that share similar ideologies ahead of the 2027 elections.
He dismissed claims attributed to Kwankwaso that any party he might join, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), must offer him its presidential ticket, describing such assertions as unrealistic.
Olaposi argued that Kwankwaso does not possess nationwide electoral appeal comparable to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as limited vote strength beyond Kano State.
He further claimed that Kwankwaso’s political influence in Kano has diminished, noting that several key members of the Kwankwasiya Movement have defected to the APC.
According to him, the APC’s strength going into 2027 is anchored on governance performance rather than personal influence.
“Kwankwaso’s influence as a former governor of Kano State has waned and cannot significantly affect President Tinubu’s votes in Kano in 2027,” he said.
Olaposi urged political parties seeking alliances with the NNPP ahead of 2027 to engage only with the party’s recognised National Working Committee, which he said has been affirmed by the courts.
He stressed that Kwankwaso and his associates remain expelled and lack the authority to negotiate on behalf of the NNPP, adding that all decisions on alliances would be taken by the party’s National Working Committee.
