As the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election heats up, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has slammed the door firmly on its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, declaring that he can no longer seek the presidency under its banner. The party insists that Kwankwaso has lost all privileges within its ranks and will not receive its backing for any future political ambition.
In a bold and unambiguous statement released on Saturday, NNPP’s National Chairman, Dr. Agbo Major, clarified that Kwankwaso and his longtime political ally, Buba Galadima, remain expelled from the party. He stressed that neither individual has the authority to speak on behalf of the NNPP, much less run for office under its name.
This stern reaction came in response to recent comments by Galadima, who had suggested that Kwankwaso would remain within the NNPP and contest for the presidency again in 2027. Galadima dismissed rumors of Kwankwaso joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and called on Nigerians to support the former Kano governor’s presidential quest.
However, the NNPP leadership was quick to reject Galadima’s claims. According to Major, both Kwankwaso and Galadima were expelled for engaging in anti-party activities and causing significant harm to the party’s integrity.
“They have been expelled and are not welcome back,” Major stated firmly. “Our agreement with the Kwankwasiya Movement officially ended after the 2023 presidential election.”
Major went on to reveal that Kwankwaso’s involvement with the NNPP nearly destroyed the party from within. He accused Kwankwaso of manipulating the party’s internal structures, instigating needless court cases, and attempting to impose the Kwankwasiya identity on the NNPP.
“Kwankwaso hijacked our party’s operations and even changed our official logo to that of his personal movement,” Major said. “It took court interventions for us to regain control and restore our identity after he organized an unlawful convention in Abuja.”
He further stressed that Kwankwaso’s strategy of waiting for another free presidential ticket from the NNPP is futile.
“That era of handing out free presidential tickets is over,” Major asserted. “Kwankwaso’s track record disqualifies him from contesting under our party. His political ambitions are unrealistic, and he cannot withstand the political prowess of President Bola Tinubu.”
Major also accused Kwankwaso of consistently seeking to dominate any political platform he associates with.
“He is not comfortable unless he’s in absolute control. Such political tendencies are no longer tolerated in the NNPP,” he added.
While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s constitutional right to contest for any position, Major insisted that the NNPP would not involve itself in personal grudges or political fights against the president or any political opponent.
He also disclosed that the NNPP is already in discussions with credible aspirants for its 2027 presidential ticket. He assured Nigerians that the party will strictly adhere to democratic norms in selecting its flag bearer.
“Our next presidential candidate will emerge through constitutional procedures. No more shortcuts or backdoor deals,” Major said.
In his concluding remarks, Major urged Nigerians to ignore statements from Kwankwaso’s camp, warning that such comments are self-serving and misleading.
“The NNPP is focused on nation-building through constructive engagement, not on personal vendettas,” he concluded. “Kwankwaso and his team are advised to start their own political party and stop dragging us into unnecessary drama.”
With this clear-cut stance, the NNPP has effectively drawn a line under its past relationship with Kwankwaso, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of 2027. Analysts predict that this move could significantly reshape alliances and political strategies as the election approaches.
