NNPP blames Kwankwaso for party defections, cites betrayal and leadership crisis

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has attributed the recent defections of two of its prominent members — Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin and Oluremi Oguntoyinbo — to internal betrayals and anti-party activities allegedly orchestrated by its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Jibrin, who previously served as Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s Support Groups, officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, pledging allegiance to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. On the same day, Oguntoyinbo, the NNPP’s former governorship candidate in Ogun State, resigned from the party and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NNPP National Secretary Ogini Olaposi linked the spate of defections to a deep-seated leadership crisis within the party. He accused Kwankwaso and his loyalists of attempting to hijack the NNPP’s leadership and structures, leading to divisions and multiple court cases.

“The NNPP has faced numerous litigations and an ongoing leadership tussle instigated by Kwankwaso and his movement’s bid to dominate the party,” Olaposi stated. “Many key figures in Kano have already crossed over to the APC. No reasonable politician would remain in a party where one man acts as the sole authority while pretending to champion democracy.”

Olaposi further accused Kwankwaso of betraying the trust of Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the party’s founder and Chairman of its Board of Trustees. He recalled that Aniebonam had offered Kwankwaso the party’s presidential ticket in 2023 at no cost — a gesture he said was later repaid with disloyalty.

He added that, with the 2027 general elections approaching, the NNPP is not surprised by members seeking new political alignments. According to him, many politicians are simply repositioning themselves in parties perceived to be free from “political patronage and abuse of power.”

Despite the defections, Olaposi emphasized that the NNPP holds no grudges against those leaving and remains open to welcoming new members.

“Every Nigerian has the right to choose their political path,” he said. “Our defectors acted out of free will, influenced by our internal crisis. Politics should not be a do-or-die affair — honesty and integrity are our guiding values. Those who no longer share NNPP’s vision are free to go, and those who believe in it are welcome to stay or join.”

Olaposi expressed optimism that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon resolve the party’s leadership dispute, paving the way for a stronger NNPP ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We urge all members to remain calm and law-abiding,” he concluded. “We are confident that we will reclaim our party and emerge stronger.”