Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has dismissed rumors of his defection from the party, reaffirming his commitment to its cause.
Speaking during the NNPP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso described reports of his possible exit as baseless, emphasizing the party’s growing strength in Kano and other states.
“We are very happy about that”, he said, referring to the party’s progress.
While addressing speculation surrounding his political future, Kwankwaso noted that many had anticipated a major announcement during the meeting.
“But let me take this opportunity to tell you that we have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy. We are ready to do whatever it takes because we are not in a hurry”, he stated.
Kwankwaso further emphasized his belief in party supremacy, making it clear that any potential alliance discussions ahead of the 2027 elections would be a collective decision involving the entire NNPP membership.
“If there will be any negotiation, it will be collective. It will not be only for the negotiators but for the entire members of this NNPP family” he said.
He added that no member of the party or the Kwankwasiyya movement had expressed intentions to leave.
“The fact remains that there is nobody in Kwankwasiyya today that I know, or even in NNPP, who is saying, ‘yes, I want to go”, he remarked.
Urging party members to ignore the political noise surrounding defections, Kwankwaso dismissed such narratives as the result of inexperience.
“Those people don’t understand, and they don’t have much experience. They believe they know when they actually don’t know. Even if they are interested in knowing, I think they should come and ask one of us”, he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Kwankwaso recounted his loss as an incumbent in the 2003 Kano governorship race, which he attributed to the widespread support for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari at the time.
He described his eventual return to power in 2011 as a valuable lesson.
“That experience was a good lesson for everybody”, he concluded.
Kwankwaso’s remarks signal his unwavering loyalty to the NNPP and his readiness to strengthen the party’s position ahead of future elections.
