The leadership of the NNPP says the party is open to alliances ahead of the 2027 general election but insists that its presidential ticket for 2027 is not automatically reserved for Kwankwaso.
In a recent interview, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed dismissed talk of a party crisis.
He explained that those branding themselves a “faction” had been suspended and subsequently expelled for anti-party activities after refusing to submit to a disciplinary committee. As far as the party is concerned, they have no standing.
Ajuji Ahmed added that the expelled members have repeatedly litigated—at one point obtaining a questionable court order in a lesser-known court that tried to hand over the party to them.
The order was later set aside on appeal. The chairman said NNPP remains guided by its constitution and recognized by the electoral body.
On the subject of internal congresses, he rejected claims of controversy. The alleged “noise,” he said, is from expelled members trying to masquerade as genuine NNPP members.
He noted that conduct of the national congress began only after no court issued an injunction stopping it.
Regarding the claim that NNPP belongs to the “Kwankwasiya bloc,” Ajuji Ahmed said the accusation is false.
He stressed that a political party is not the property of any person or group — membership and participation in NNPP are open to any Nigerian.
On expansion beyond Kwankwaso’s traditional stronghold in Kano, the chairman said the party is intent on broadening its appeal nationwide.
Winning the presidency will require success in several states across different regions, not just relying on one region or personality.
As for defections — including four national lawmakers who recently jumped ship — the NNPP says it tolerates any individual’s decision. But those exits don’t weaken the party.
According to the leadership, defections are personal choices, and sometimes, new members — even in larger numbers — join the party soon after.
When asked whether NNPP would run solo or join a coalition in 2027, Ajuji Ahmed said all options remain on the table.
The party may contest alone, join a coalition, or even adopt as candidate an individual with wide appeal. What matters, he said, is that the platform and procedures are followed fairly.
On the possibility that Kwankwaso might be sidelined, the chairman clarified that any member is free to contest for the party’s ticket. Kwankwaso is not exempt from internal rules.
That stance signals that the 2027 presidential ticket of the NNPP is open and not a done deal for anyone — even the former presidential candidate.
In terms of policy, the party pledges to champion the welfare of ordinary Nigerians: universal access to education, affordable healthcare, and improving security across the country.
They promise to reverse medical tourism within four years if elected, by boosting domestic healthcare infrastructure.
On nationwide insecurity especially kidnappings and banditry plaguing the North — the NNPP blames systemic youth unemployment, poverty and government laxity.
The party argues that the country’s military resources are being misapplied abroad when they should be deployed to secure the homeland.
As for the incumbent administration of Bola Tinubu, the NNPP leadership described it as burdened by hardship, hunger and insecurity.
They fault the government for pumping up expectations about future gains at the expense of present suffering.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.