Kwankwaso: NNPP will keep watch on INEC ahead 2027 polls

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party will closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the commission’s role as crucial to the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday in Abuja at the NNPP national convention, shortly after newly re-elected party executives were sworn in, in the presence of INEC officials, party leaders and delegates from across the country.

He congratulated INEC on the appointment of its new national chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, while stressing that the credibility of elections largely depends on the conduct of the electoral body.

“INEC’s responsibility is so critical that it can either strengthen or undermine democracy in this country. So far, so good, but we are keeping our eyes on INEC,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the NNPP looks forward to a better working relationship with the commission.

The NNPP national leader also assured party members that the leadership would continue to take steps to strengthen the party nationwide, while appreciating Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for his sustained support.

The convention ratified decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) as the NNPP intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections following its strong showing in 2023.

In the last general election, the NNPP emerged as a major political force, winning the Kano State governorship and posting a strong performance in the presidential race, where Kwankwaso finished fourth nationally but dominated Kano State and parts of the North-West. The election, however, was marred by controversies over the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the failure of the INEC Results Viewing (iReV) portal to upload results in real time, sparking widespread criticism and legal challenges.

Addressing the convention, Governor Abba Yusuf described the gathering as a defining moment for the party and cautioned against internal exclusion that could weaken its foundation. He called for inclusiveness, fairness and unity, urging party leaders to fully involve women and youths in decision-making.

“No political party can succeed without unity. When every member feels valued, the party grows stronger,” Yusuf said.

In his acceptance speech, the re-elected National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, said the party had learned important lessons from the 2023 elections and was determined to perform better in 2027. He reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to internal democracy and urged party members to work collectively to meet Nigerians’ expectations.

Also speaking, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Buba Galadima, said the NNPP’s strength lies in its grassroots support rather than reliance on political heavyweights. He praised Kwankwaso for shouldering the responsibility of leading the party, describing it as a demanding task.

The newly re-elected NNPP executives include Dr Ajuji Ahmed as National Chairman, Dipo Olayoku as National Secretary, Ladipo Johnson as National Publicity Secretary, Ahmed Balewa as National Treasurer, Chief Aneine Clement as National Financial Secretary, and Robert Hon as National Legal Adviser, among others.