The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has confirmed that its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not be contesting the presidency against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 under the party’s banner.
Dr Agbo Major, the National Chairman of the NNPP, made this announcement in a statement released on Saturday, refuting claims made by Buba Galadima that Kwankwaso would remain with the NNPP to pursue the presidency. Galadima argued there was no evidence to support speculation that Kwankwaso was joining the All Progressives Congress, encouraging support for Kwankwaso’s presidential ambitions.
However, Major firmly stated that both Kwankwaso and Galadima have been expelled from the party for anti-party activities, thereby losing their ability to represent the NNPP. He highlighted that their agreement with the Kwankwasiya Movement ceased shortly after the 2023 elections and that Kwankwaso’s return is out of the question due to past conflicts.
“Kwankwaso has led us into unnecessary legal disputes and attempted to usurp party leadership,” he remarked. Major dismissed any expectations of Kwankwaso receiving a favourable ticket for the upcoming elections, asserting that his chances of competing against President Tinubu are virtually non-existent.
While acknowledging Kwankwaso’s right to pursue political office, Major insisted he should refrain from involving the NNPP in his grievances against the President.
The NNPP is currently in discussions with prospective candidates for the 2027 elections, with Major emphasising that any candidate must follow established processes and cannot simply be handed a nomination. He urged the public to disregard any statements from Kwankwaso and his faction, asserting they do not represent the party’s views.