2025 Kwankwaso Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to NNPP

The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has debunked speculations that he is considering leaving the party.

Speaking on Thursday at the NNPP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Kwankwaso stressed that he remains fully committed to the party, which he said is making remarkable progress in Kano and other states.

“We are very happy with the performance of our party. Let me use this opportunity to say clearly that we are comfortable and not in a hurry to go anywhere,” he said.

He explained that the large turnout at the meeting was partly due to false reports suggesting he was set to make a major decision about his future with the NNPP.

Kwankwaso emphasised that discussions about the 2027 elections would be a collective decision. “If there will be any negotiation, it will be for the entire NNPP family, not just a few individuals,” he stated.

He further advised party members not to be distracted by speculation about defections, insisting that such moves often come from inexperience. He recalled how he lost the Kano governorship in 2003 despite being an incumbent, only to return to office eight years later, describing the experience as a valuable political lesson.

Kwankwaso added that Nigerians are already shaping their choices ahead of 2027, saying “reality will determine the people’s votes.”

In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics” and urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Also speaking, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, insisted that despite attempts to weaken the NNPP, the party continues to grow under Kwankwaso’s leadership. He alleged that the party was denied victory in two recent by-elections in Kano but expressed confidence the mandate would be reclaimed.

The party’s 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, also affirmed that the NNPP is strengthening its direction and preparing strategically for the 2027 polls.

The NEC meeting also featured the inauguration of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, alongside an extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure. The session was attended by elected NNPP officials and an INEC observer team.