The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has dismissed claims that the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ahmed clarified on Tuesday during an interview, a programme on Arise Television, stressing that the NNPP remains committed to exploring broader political options rather than defection.
According to him, the party has three possibilities on the table: contesting elections independently, forming a coalition with like-minded parties, or considering invitations from others if such moves protect the interests of NNPP members.
“I don’t think what Kwankwaso said indicated in any way that he is defecting or about to defect,” Ahmed said.
“NNPP has always maintained that we have options. One of those options is coalition with any party that shares our philosophy and objectives. Another option is going it alone.
Kwankwaso only referred to one of these options in Kano.”
He explained that Kwankwaso’s comment was not an indication of defection but a conditional response.
“Kwankwaso merely said that if the APC extends an invitation, he would give them attention, but only on the condition that they provide concrete guarantees to protect the interests of our members, not just him as an individual,” Ahmed added.