….accuses ex-presidential candidate of hijacking structure, betraying founder

…says crisis may worsen as INEC delays recognition of authentic leadership

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of engaging in anti-party activities that have led to widespread defections from the party to both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NNPP National Secretary, Dr Ogini Olaposi, alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions had plunged the party into a deep leadership crisis and betrayed the trust of its founding members.

“The NNPP faced a series of litigations and still battles internal division caused by Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya Movement, who tried to hijack the party’s leadership and structure,” Olaposi said.

He said the crisis had triggered the recent exit of notable members, including Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, who rejoined the APC, and Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, who defected to the PDP.

According to him, several key members in Kano State, once considered the party’s stronghold, had also left for the ruling APC due to frustration with the ongoing internal wrangling.

“The unfortunate reality is that Kwankwaso and his followers betrayed the trust reposed in them by Dr Boniface Aniebonam, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NNPP,” Olaposi stated.

He further warned that more defections might occur if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to delay the recognition of the Dr Agbo Major-led National Working Committee, which he said had been upheld by court rulings.

“Many members who are uncertain about the party’s direction may seek political survival elsewhere ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.

Despite the turbulence, Olaposi maintained that the NNPP holds no grudge against those leaving the party, describing membership as a matter of personal choice.

“It is the right of every Nigerian to belong to any political association of their choice. Those who left did so willingly, not under any form of coercion,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the party remains committed to honesty, integrity, and ideological loyalty, urging members to remain calm as efforts to restore internal unity continue.

“We hope INEC will respect the law and implement valid court judgements without waiting for another judicial order,” he added.