‘Gross Mistake' – NNPP Warns Peter Obi, NDC Over Kwankwaso Choice

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticised the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to pick Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2027 general election. The NNPP described the choice of Kwankwaso as a serious political error and questioned whether the NDC had fully considered his previous dealings with the party before settling for him. In a statement released on Monday, September 7, NNPP National Secretary-General Ogini Olaposi accused Kwankwaso of turning his back on the party after using its platform to contest the 2023 presidential election. Olaposi said the NNPP had given the former Kano State governor the opportunity to contest the presidency without demanding payment for its ticket. According to him, the party also supported Kwankwaso in his effort to establish himself as a major political figure at the national level. 'Kwankwaso dragged a party that brought him to the limelight in the presidential contest, freely gave him a platform and did all it could to support him. Once a betrayer, always a betrayer, and posterity will prove us right,' Olaposi said. NNPP accuses Kwankwaso over party crisis The NNPP official further alleged that Kwankwaso played a role in the internal problems that hit the party after the 2023 presidential election. He claimed the crisis contributed to the exit of some party members and accused the former governor of being part of the circumstances that weakened the party following the election. Olaposi also rejected suggestions that the NNPP had been transferred to Kwankwaso by its founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam. He maintained that ownership of the party remained with its Board of Trustees and insisted that Aniebonam had not handed it over to Kwankwaso. Party questions Obi-Kwankwaso ticket The NNPP secretary-general also cautioned the NDC against relying solely on Peter Obi popularity ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. He argued that the choice of a running mate could have a significant impact on how voters assess a presidential ticket, particularly when the candidate has a history of previous political controversies. According to Olaposi, voters would look beyond Obi and examine the political record and past actions of whoever is presented alongside him. The NNPP therefore urged the NDC to reconsider the implications of choosing Kwankwaso and warned that the decision could become a political liability as the 2027 election approaches. Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG