A collage photo of Rabiu Kwankwaso and Gov. Alex Otti
By Tony Folarin
The National Working Committee of the New Nigeria People’s Party, on Sunday, criticised the recent visit of its former presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
At an emergency meeting held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, the NWC said Kwankwaso’s November 9 visit was a “deceptive ploy” linked to a recent Abia State High Court ruling affecting the party’s internal structure.
It could be recalled that crisis bedeviling NNPP heightened recently, with a faction of the party expelling Kwankwaso, the Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf and Kwankwasiya group members.
Also, there has been a crisis in the Kano State chapter of the party, with members reportedly asking the governor to stop the overbearing influence of the former presidential candidate of the party.
In a statement issued by the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, on Sunday, the party noted that Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya group members were expelled from the party, and any attempt by the expelled members to represent the national executive is an act of “irresponsibility and impersonation.”
To this extent, the NWC pointed out that those expelled individuals did not hold any recognised position within the NNPP, and their claims to leadership were invalid.
At the heart of the controversy is the Abia State High Court ruling, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to transfer the party’s administration to the Board of Trustees, led by Dr Boniface Aniebonam, in accordance with the NNPP’s 2022 constitution.
The NWC urged Otti to avoid involvement in the NNPP’s internal affairs, warning against any attempt by Kwankwaso to “destabilise” the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Governor Otti is a democrat, who respects the rule of law, and we trust he understands the separation of powers,” the statement said.
Also, the party criticised Kwankwaso for allegedly using his influence to create internal discord within the NNPP since joining the party in 2022.
According to the NWC, Kwankwaso’s agenda had been to “hijack” the party for his personal gain, ostensibly to betray the trust of its founders.
Reaffirming the independence of the judiciary, the NWC stated that Kwankwaso’s grievances with the court’s decision should be addressed through legal means, not political manoeuvring.
“The judgment binds INEC, which is mandated to regulate political parties and their activities,” the statement read. It further emphasised that Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction should be pursued legally, rather than through “disguised” meetings with state executives.
Also, the NWC criticised Kwankwaso’s remarks to the newly appointed police officers in Abia State, pointing out that his call for a “fear of God” contradicted his political actions, especially in Kano State and within the NNPP.
“Had he truly adhered to this principle, he would not have attempted to hijack the party for personal gain,” the NWC said.
The NWC reaffirmed Dr Aniebonam’s position as the chairman of the BoT and NNPP founder, insisting that Kwankwaso and his group remained expelled.
“For the avoidance of doubt, INEC alone has the locus standi to appeal the court’s compelling order.
“Kwankwaso and his group’s expulsion is final, restoring peace within the party,” the statement concluded.
