The National Working Committee of the New Nigeria People’s Party expressed disapproval of the recent visit made by their former presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. Following an emergency meeting, the NWC criticized Kwankwaso’s visit as a strategic move related to a recent court ruling impacting the party’s internal structure.
The NNPP is currently facing internal turmoil, with a faction expelling Kwankwaso, Kano State governor Abba Yusuf, and members of the Kwankwasiya group. There is also unrest within the Kano State chapter of the party, where members are urging the governor to reduce the influence of the former presidential candidate.
In a statement released by the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, the party clarified that Kwankwaso and his group were expelled, emphasizing that any attempt by them to act on behalf of the national executive is irresponsible and amounts to impersonation. The NWC stressed that the expelled individuals held no valid positions within the NNPP.
The controversy stems from a court ruling in Abia State instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission to transfer the party’s administration to the Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, as per the NNPP’s 2022 constitution. The NWC cautioned Otti against interfering in the party’s internal affairs and cautioned Kwankwaso against destabilizing the party before the 2027 elections.
The NWC criticized Kwankwaso for allegedly causing internal strife within the NNPP since joining in 2022, accusing him of trying to manipulate the party for personal gain, betraying the trust of its founders. The committee urged Kwankwaso to address his grievances with the court ruling through legal channels, rather than political tactics.
Emphasizing the importance of upholding judicial decisions, the NWC stated that Kwankwaso should pursue legal avenues to address his dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling. The committee also rebuked Kwankwaso for his statements to newly appointed police officers in Abia State, highlighting inconsistencies between his words about moral values and his political actions.
The NWC reiterated Dr. Aniebonam’s role as the BoT chairman and NNPP founder, confirming Kwankwaso and his group’s expulsion. The statement concluded by affirming that only INEC has the authority to challenge the court order, and Kwankwaso’s expulsion stands final for the sake of party unity.