Ahead of 2027, the National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared his openness to negotiation and dialogue with other political forces.
The former Kano State governor made this known during the party’s 9th National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, firmly dismissing ongoing rumours of his planned defection to another party.
Addressing party faithful and leaders, Kwankwaso affirmed his commitment to the NNPP but emphasised that the party was willing to engage in discussions that could lead to productive alliances. “We are open, we’re ready to talk to anybody who will want us to work together for 2027,” he stated, making it clear that any decision would be made collectively and in the best interest of the party and its supporters.
He took time to praise the dedication of NNPP members nationwide, noting that their loyalty had strengthened the party’s position as a credible and growing political entity. “We are happy with our members wherever they are in this country for their commitment and loyalty. And I want to assure you that the leadership will not fail,” Kwankwaso said, pledging fairness and transparency in any future negotiations.
The NNPP leader also addressed the swirl of defection speculations, revealing that he had been under considerable pressure to join other parties. “Anytime I sat down and listened to people, some would come and say, go to A, some will say go to B or C, and others would say stay where you are,” he recounted.
However, he made it clear that his resolve to remain with the NNPP was unshaken, and credited the party’s internal unity and popular acceptance as key factors in its resilience.
Reflecting on his extensive political career, which includes serving as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1992, Minister of Defence, and two-time governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso highlighted his experience in building political partnerships. He recalled working closely with historical figures such as Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and MKO Abiola during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, underscoring his belief in party supremacy and collective decision-making.
“We worked very hard with the leadership of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, worked for Abiola,” he noted, pointing out that the same principles of loyalty and collaboration would guide the NNPP’s approach to the 2027 elections.
The National Chairman of the NNPP, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, also spoke at the event, confirming that Kwankwaso would be the party’s presidential flagbearer in the forthcoming election. He praised Kwankwaso’s leadership, describing him as a “visionary leader” with “stupendous political sagacity,” whose efforts had positioned the NNPP as a formidable and respected party nationwide.
Ahmed added, “Engineer Kwankwaso’s leadership has made NNPP stand out as the pillar of party politics in Nigeria. We acknowledge with gratitude the pivotal role he is playing.”
The meeting served as a platform to reinforce the party’s unity and strategic direction. Earlier, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, had denied rumours of an alliance with the African Democratic Coalition or alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Johnson insisted that both Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf remained dedicated to the NNPP.
Kwankwaso assured members that they would be kept informed of any significant developments. “If there is any information, we will quickly try and let you know about any progress on what to do and what not to do,” he promised.
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