ABUJA — The leadership of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared that the 2027 presidential ticket is no longer automatically reserved for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, signalling a possible break from the 2023 formula that made him the party’s standard-bearer.
In an interview with The Dalena Reporters, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed — defending his leadership and the party’s internal discipline dismissed suggestions that the party was a preserve of the so-called “Kwankwasiya” bloc. According to Ahmed, the party’s constitution and funding structure belong to all registered members nationwide, not to any individual faction.
Ahmed denied there was any ongoing “faction” within the NNPP, arguing that those claiming to represent a splinter group had been suspended for anti-party activities, expelled and legally stripped of any claim to the party’s platform. He insisted that the only legitimate NNPP leadership recognized by the country’s electoral commission remains the one headed by him.
The decision comes amid internal tensions and mass defections affecting the NNPP in key states, including decisions by some former members to leave for rival parties. The chairman’s remarks suggest the party may now open its 2027 presidential primaries to fresh contenders, and not automatically anoint Kwankwaso as flagbearer.
Observers say this could reshape NNPP’s strategy ahead of the 2027 general election — forcing prospective aspirants, including Kwankwaso, to formally contest for the nomination instead of assuming it by default. Dalena Reporters will monitor developments, including official timelines for primaries, potential aspirants emerging, and reactions from factions within the party.