The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has denounced the recent visit by its former presidential candidate, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, calling it a “deceptive ploy” tied to a contentious ruling by the Abia State High Court. Meeting urgently in Lagos, the NWC accused Kwankwaso of attempting to destabilise the party by exploiting the court decision, which affected the NNPP’s leadership structure.
The court’s ruling ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transfer party administration to the NNPP Board of Trustees, led by party founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, in line with the NNPP’s 2022 constitution. Kwankwaso, alongside the influential Kwankwasiya faction, was recently expelled from the party, with accusations of overreach in his dealings with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
In a pointed statement from NNPP National Publicity Secretary Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, the NWC asserted that Kwankwaso’s November 9 visit to Governor Otti served to legitimise his claim to leadership, a role the committee deems both “irresponsible” and “unauthorised.” The NWC reminded Kwankwaso that he and his faction had been formally removed, cautioning against any attempts to represent the NNPP’s national executive.
Citing a history of internal discord allegedly incited by Kwankwaso since joining the NNPP in 2022, the NWC accused him of leveraging his influence to “hijack” the party, turning it from its founding vision for his own gain. “Kwankwaso’s ambitions have led him to betray the trust of the NNPP’s founders,” the NWC stated, further claiming his agenda has intensified rifts that threaten to destabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NWC appealed to Governor Otti to resist involvement in the party’s internal affairs, warning against further “disguised” gatherings with expelled members. “Governor Otti is a democrat who respects the rule of law, and we trust he understands the importance of respecting the judiciary’s authority,” the statement read, underscoring the NWC’s trust that Otti would not support Kwankwaso’s alleged power play.
In response to Kwankwaso’s public comments to newly appointed police officers in Abia, in which he urged a “fear of God” in service, the NWC suggested these words contradicted his actions. “Had he adhered to this principle, Kwankwaso would not be attempting to manipulate the party for personal interest,” the committee remarked.
Reaffirming Dr. Aniebonam’s role as chairman of the NNPP Board of Trustees, the NWC insisted that the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his group was final, as INEC alone holds the authority to contest the court order. “The party remains united in its founding purpose, free from the interference of those who seek personal control,” the NWC concluded.
