The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the recent visit of former presidential candidate and expelled party member, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
The NWC, which convened an emergency meeting at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, characterized Kwankwaso’s visit on November 9 as a “deceptive ploy” tied to the recent judgment of the Abia State High Court affecting the party’s internal structure.
In a statement signed by Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, the party emphasized that Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya group members have been expelled, and any representation by them as members of the party’s National Executive is an act of “irresponsibility and impersonation.”
The NWC reiterated that these individuals hold no recognized position within the NNPP, underscoring that their claims to party leadership were null and void.
The crux of the controversy centers on a ruling by the Abia State High Court, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer the party’s administration to the Board of Trustees (BoT) led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, in line with the party’s 2022 constitution. The NWC urged Governor Otti to remain uninvolved in the NNPP’s internal affairs, warning against any attempts by Kwankwaso to “destabilize” 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 read.
The party further criticized Kwankwaso for allegedly leveraging his influence to create internal strife within the NNPP since joining in 2022. According to the NWC, Kwankwaso’s agenda has been to “hijack” the party for personal gain, a move described as a betrayal of trust and an affront to the vision of the NNPP’s founders.
Highlighting the independence of the judiciary, the NWC asserted that any grievances Kwankwaso harbors against the court’s decision should be directed through legal channels rather than political maneuvering. “The judgment binds INEC, which is mandated to regulate political parties and their activities,” the statement noted, adding that Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction should be addressed legally, not through “disguised” meetings with state executives.
The statement also touched on Kwankwaso’s remarks to newly appointed police officers in Abia, suggesting his call for a “fear of God” contradicts his political conduct, particularly in Kano State and within the NNPP. “Had he truly adhered to this principle, he would not have tried to hijack the party for personal gain,” the NWC said.
Reaffirming Dr. Boniface Aniebonam’s leadership as Chairman of the BoT and the NNPP’s founder, the NWC declared that Kwankwaso and his associates remain expelled. “For clarity, INEC alone holds the locus to appeal the court’s compelling order. Kwankwaso and his group’s expulsion is final, restoring peace within the party,” the statement concluded.
