NNPP Counters Ganduje’s “Dead Party” Claim, Reaffirms Kwankwaso’s Loyalty

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has firmly dismissed recent statements made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who declared the NNPP “dead” and insinuated that its national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was planning a return to the APC. The NNPP leadership has described Ganduje’s comments as “baseless, panic-driven, and politically mischievous,” asserting that Kwankwaso remains fully committed to advancing the NNPP’s vision.

In a swift response, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, spoke to The PUNCH, brushing off Ganduje’s remarks as inconsequential. “Ganduje’s statement reflects nothing but desperation and fear,” Johnson stated. “Kwankwaso is not returning to the APC. Instead, he is actively working to strengthen the NNPP and position it as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

PDP South-West Zonal Leaders Vow to Expand Governorship Wins

Ganduje’s Remarks “Irrelevant and Desperate” – NNPP

Ganduje, who made his controversial claim while hosting members of the Tinubu Support Group at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, said, “The coffin has already been constructed. What remains now is to dig the grave,” referring to the NNPP. He further alleged that Kwankwaso wanted to return to the APC and would be welcomed “back home.”

However, the NNPP’s leadership across the country quickly rebutted these claims. In Osun State, the NNPP Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, lambasted Ganduje for what he termed as “political hallucinations.” Odeyemi said, “Ganduje should be concerned about the failures of the APC in addressing Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic issues instead of spewing propaganda.”

According to Odeyemi, the APC lacks the moral ground to mock other parties when it is battling internal divisions and has overseen widespread hardship across the nation. “Kwankwaso is far too visionary and people-centered to align with a party that has consistently failed Nigerians,” he added.

Kano APC: “Kwankwaso Is a Political Liability”

Interestingly, despite Ganduje’s comments suggesting Kwankwaso would be welcomed back into the APC fold, the Kano State chapter of the APC does not share the same enthusiasm. The party’s Public Relations Officer in Kano, Ahmed S. Aruwa, outrightly dismissed the idea, calling Kwankwaso a political liability.

“Kwankwaso has a destructive political history,” Aruwa stated. “He destabilized the PDP and is doing the same to the NNPP. We do not need him in the APC, and we do not trust his motives.”

Aruwa also accused Kwankwaso of eyeing a presidential bid in 2031 and using the APC as a possible platform to reassert national relevance. “We know his game plan,” he added. “Kwankwaso wants to hijack the party structure for personal ambition after ridiculing the APC and its members. We will not allow that to happen.”

He concluded that any talk of reconciliation or return must begin with a personal resolution between Kwankwaso and Ganduje, whose rivalry has been one of the most bitter in Kano political history. “Without that, there is no basis for dialogue,” he said.

Kwankwaso Focused on NNPP Repositioning – Ladipo Johnson

Amid all the speculation and political maneuvering, NNPP’s spokesman Ladipo Johnson reaffirmed that Kwankwaso has not expressed any interest in returning to the APC. According to Johnson, Kwankwaso is instead focused on nationwide consultations aimed at revitalizing the NNPP ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has not—repeat, not—indicated any intention to join the APC,” Johnson emphasized. “His current focus is on repositioning the NNPP as a strong, credible platform for the 2027 elections. He is meeting with Nigerians from various sectors to understand their expectations and incorporate their views into the party’s vision.”

He added that Ganduje’s public outburst was a reflection of political fear. “The truth is that Ganduje is in panic mode,” Johnson said. “He knows that Kwankwaso commands far more political weight and integrity than he can ever hope to achieve. That’s why he’s trying to create confusion.”

As Nigeria’s political terrain begins to heat up in anticipation of the 2027 elections, it is evident that Senator Kwankwaso and the NNPP are not backing down. The party appears determined to carve a solid path forward, undeterred by distractions or external narratives.