2027 Twist: NNPP Accuses Opponents Of Scheme To Collapse Party Structure For Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has alleged that some of its former leaders planned to dismantle the party’s structure in support of a proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The allegation was, however, dismissed by the NDC, which described it as unfounded and politically motivated.

The latest exchange follows recent reports suggesting that the NNPP had entered into a secret understanding with the NDC to back a joint Obi-Kwankwaso presidential bid. The NNPP had earlier denied the claim, explaining that its decision to submit the name of a placeholder presidential candidate was simply to comply with electoral requirements while leaving room for future political realignments.

About two months ago, the immediate past National Chairman of the NNPP, Bala Yusuf, also rejected claims that he was working with the Kwankwasiyya Movement to merge the party’s presidential structure into an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance. Speaking after the party’s 11th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Yusuf insisted there was no agreement between the NNPP, Kwankwaso or any other political platform.

However, the current National Chairman of the NNPP, Major Agbo, has accused his predecessor of misleading party members.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Agbo claimed that the previous leadership intended to hand over the party’s structure to facilitate what he described as an “O-K arrangement” with the NDC.

“He lied. It didn’t take a prophet to know what they were planning if the previous leadership had remained in office,” Agbo said.

“They would eventually have collapsed the entire party structure into their principal’s political arrangement. That was the extent of their greed. But we have moved on from them, and there is no need to waste time discussing people who are no longer in charge.”

The NNPP has experienced a wave of high-profile defections in recent months. Former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso and ex-National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson have both joined the NDC, while Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, along with several political appointees, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The departures stripped the NNPP of its only elected governor and raised fresh questions about the party’s political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

Agbo maintained that every political party must field candidates and secure electoral victories to remain relevant under Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“Our primary responsibility is to present candidates for elections,” he said.

“The law is clear—you don’t just field candidates; you also have to win elections. If you fail to win, you risk losing your status as a political party.”

Why the NNPP Submitted a Placeholder Candidate

Explaining the decision to nominate a placeholder presidential candidate, Agbo said the party acted to meet electoral deadlines after running out of time to identify a preferred flag bearer.

He dismissed suggestions that the move was connected to an alliance with the NDC or a possible Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

“I have repeatedly explained that submitting a placeholder candidate does not mean we are rushing into any alliance or political agreement,” he said.

“Sometimes, when the nomination window is open, you must act within the timeline and make adjustments later if necessary. The important thing is not to miss the opportunity.”

According to Agbo, adopting a placeholder candidate is a common political strategy used by parties facing tight electoral schedules.

“It is something many political parties do. But it should not be interpreted as evidence that we intend to work with the ruling party or support the Obi-Kwankwaso arrangement,” he added.

NNPP Rejects Any Return of Kwankwaso

Agbo declared that the NNPP has ruled out any future political relationship with Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima and their associates.

“This party has resolved that, under no circumstance, will we work with Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima or any of their associates. That is not an option,” he stated.

Despite this position, the NNPP chairman said the party remains open to broader political alliances with groups that share its vision.

“No political party can operate in isolation. We believe strategic alliances are part of politics, and that has been the NNPP’s position since it was registered in 2002,” he said.

Agbo also recalled that the party had not fielded presidential candidates in some previous election cycles, noting that economist Kalu Idika Kalu was its presidential candidate in 2003.

He added that the NNPP intends to replace its placeholder presidential candidate with a stronger contender once the electoral timetable allows for substitutions, and that it remains willing to support any presidential aspirant whose ideology aligns with the party’s constitution and manifesto.

NDC Rejects Allegations

Responding to the claims, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, denied that the party had any agreement with the NNPP.

According to him, the Senator Seriake Dickson-led NDC has not entered into discussions with the NNPP and has no plans for a political partnership.

“We have no pact with the NNPP or any other party, especially within Kano’s political environment,” Abdulsalam said.

“The NDC is gaining momentum on its own and does not require any alliance to remain competitive. If any party needs a partnership to survive beyond 2027, it is certainly not us.”

He further argued that the NNPP has become politically weakened following the exit of Kwankwaso and his supporters.

“The NNPP is like an old piece of clothing that has been discarded. Once you outgrow it, you don’t go back to wearing it,” he said.

“As far as we are are concerned, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and his supporters have moved on. The NNPP is now his former party, and there is no reason for him to return.”