Kwankwaso rules out defection, reaffirms commitment to NNPP

National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed speculation about his defection, insisting he remains firmly committed to the party.

Speaking at the NNPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso said the party was making steady progress, particularly in Kano and other states.

“There have been fake reports suggesting I am leaving NNPP.

“Let me be clear: we are happy in our party, we are comfortable, and we are not in a hurry to go anywhere,” he stated.

The former Kano governor stressed that decisions ahead of the 2027 elections would be made collectively, in line with party supremacy.

“If there will be any negotiation, it will involve the entire NNPP family, not just a few individuals,” he added, advising members not to be distracted by politicians defecting to other parties.

Recalling how he lost his re-election bid in 2003 but returned to power in 2011, Kwankwaso said it was a lesson in resilience.

He expressed confidence that Nigerians had already made up their minds ahead of 2027 and that “reality will determine their votes.”

In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics” and urged citizens to register for their voter cards.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy Aminu Gwarzo, accused political rivals of undermining the NNPP in recent by-elections, but expressed optimism that the party’s mandate would be restored.

The party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, also affirmed the NNPP’s readiness for victory in 2027.

The NEC meeting featured the inauguration of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, as well as the extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure.

INEC officials were also present at the event.