Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has stated that the party's members are not defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. This announcement comes after Kwankwaso's resignation from the NNPP, which he made effective immediately. In his resignation statement, Kwankwaso expressed his gratitude for serving as the NNPP's 2023 presidential candidate, citing the need for strategic realignment in the country's political landscape.
The NNPP's former national chairman, Dr Ahmed Ajuji, had urged party members to remain in their positions and continue their work within the party. However, Dr Aniebonam clarified that the party will not be joining the ADC, and that only members of the Kwankwasiya movement, who were expelled from the NNPP, may join their leader in the ADC.
The NNPP has already begun consultations for the 2027 presidential elections, and Dr Aniebonam emphasized that aspirants will have to undergo the party primaries, unlike in 2023 when the presidential ticket was handed over to Kwankwaso without a contest. The party is willing to accept members who defected to other parties back into its fold, but not those expelled for anti-party activities.
The NNPP's decision to distance itself from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso's defection to the ADC is a clear indication of the party's determination to move forward without the influence of the Kwankwasiya movement. The party's willingness to accept members who defected to other parties back into its fold is a positive step towards unity and reconciliation. However, the party's stance on not accepting those expelled for anti-party activities is a necessary measure to maintain its integrity and prevent future betrayals. The NNPP's focus on the 2027 presidential elections and the need for aspirants to undergo party primaries is a promising development, as it suggests a commitment to internal democracy and transparency. Ultimately, the NNPP's decision to part ways with Kwankwaso is a step towards a more stable and unified party that can effectively represent the interests of Nigerians.
