The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has dismissed rumours that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday during an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme broadcast on Arise Television.
He emphasised that the NNPP remains open to forming coalitions but that Kwankwaso’s statements do not signal a defection to the APC.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think what he said indicated in any way that he is defecting or about to defect. NNPP has a long-standing position that we have options,” Ahmed said.
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He explained that the party is considering three possible paths: forming a coalition with like-minded parties, going it alone, or engaging with parties such as the APC if there are solid guarantees to protect the interests of NNPP members.
“Kwankwaso only said that if the APC invites his attention, he will give them the attention on the condition that they offer a concrete guarantee that the interests of his party members will be taken care of instead of just him being talked to,” Ahmed added.
The NNPP chairman’s comments come amid speculation following Kwankwaso’s remarks in Kano, clarifying the party’s position on its future political strategy.
