The New Nigeria Peoples Party has dismissed claims by its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, that his exit from the party was caused by external forces, describing the allegation as misleading and inaccurate.
Kwankwaso had earlier stated in a public remark that discussions surrounding his political movement and possible realignments were being misrepresented. He also suggested that his departure from the NNPP was influenced by external legal and political pressures that made his continued stay in the party difficult.
However, reacting on Sunday, NNPP founder Boniface Aniebonam rejected the explanation, insisting that Kwankwaso’s exit was entirely self inflicted and driven by internal disagreements within the party.
Aniebonam said Kwankwaso has consistently blamed external factors for his political challenges, adding that the former Kano State governor’s departure alongside key allies such as Buba Galadima and Dr Ahmed Ajuji was due to attempts to take control of the party structure.
He maintained that the crisis within the NNPP was not the result of outside interference but rather internal struggles over leadership and control. According to him, the former presidential candidate sought to dominate a party he did not found or register.
The NNPP founder further stated that legal rulings had already upheld the expulsion of Kwankwaso and his associates from the party, noting that disputes escalated after alleged attempts to alter the party’s identity, constitution, and operational structure.
He also referenced political developments in Kano State, including defections involving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing them as consequences of internal mismanagement rather than external manipulation.
Aniebonam added that the agreement between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement was strictly limited to the 2023 general elections, which provided Kwankwaso with the platform to contest the presidency.
Kwankwaso, who finished fourth in the 2023 presidential election behind President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, also helped the NNPP secure major electoral success in Kano State during the polls.
Aniebonam concluded by accusing the former candidate of altering party symbols and structures without approval, warning that such behavior contributed to ongoing disputes. He urged Kwankwaso to move on and refrain from making further allegations against the party.
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