NEVER : I’m Not Leaving NNPP – Kwankwaso

National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed speculation about his possible defection, insisting he remains committed to the party.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kwankwaso described the reports as “fake news,” stressing that the NNPP was thriving in Kano and other states.

“We have our party, and we are comfortable. We are happy and ready to do whatever it takes because we are not in a hurry,” he said. “If there will be any negotiation ahead of 2027, it will be collective, not for a few negotiators but for the entire NNPP family.”

The former Kano governor cautioned members against being swayed by the hype surrounding political defections, saying: “Those people don’t understand. They believe they know, but they don’t. Even if they want to know, they should come and ask one of us.”

Kwankwaso recalled losing the 2003 governorship election despite being an incumbent, only to return to power eight years later. He said this was a reminder that “reality, not propaganda, will determine people’s votes in 2027.”

NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics,” urging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.

Also speaking, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, said despite political plots, the NNPP was waxing stronger under Kwankwaso’s leadership. He alleged that the party was denied victory in two recent by-elections in Kano but vowed the mandate would be reclaimed.

Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the NNPP’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, affirmed the party’s readiness for 2027, describing it as “focused and united.”

The NEC meeting also ratified the appointment of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, while extending the Lagos State chairman’s tenure. INEC observers and elected NNPP officials were in attendance.