The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the recent visit of former presidential candidate and expelled member, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
The NWC, convening an emergency meeting at Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos, described Kwankwaso’s November 9 visit as a “deceptive ploy” linked to a recent Abia State High Court ruling affecting the party’s internal structure.
In a statement issued by Abdulrasalam Abdulrazaq, the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, the party emphasized that Kwankwaso and his Kwankwasiya group members were expelled from the party, and any attempt by them to represent the National Executive is an act of “irresponsibility and impersonation.”
The NWC stressed that these individuals hold no recognized position within the NNPP, and their claims to leadership are invalid.
At the heart of the controversy is the Abia State High Court ruling, which ordered 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 NNPP’s 2022 constitution.
The NWC urged Governor Otti to avoid involvement in the NNPP’s internal affairs, warning against any attempt 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 said.
The party also criticized Kwankwaso for allegedly using his influence to create internal discord within the NNPP since joining in 2022. According to the NWC, Kwankwaso’s objective has been to “hijack” the party for personal gain, betraying 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 maneuvering.
“The judgment binds INEC, which is mandated to regulate political parties and their activities,” the statement read. It further emphasized that Kwankwaso’s dissatisfaction should be pursued legally, rather than through “disguised” meetings with state executives.
The NWC also criticized Kwankwaso’s remarks to newly appointed police officers in Abia, 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 tried to hijack the party for personal gain,” the NWC said.
The NWC reaffirmed Dr. Boniface Aniebonam’s position as Chairman of the BoT and NNPP founder, declaring that Kwankwaso and his group 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.