The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has warned the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against picking Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The NNPP described the reported choice of Kwankwaso as Obi’s running mate as a “gross mistake,” alleging that the former Kano State governor could eventually turn against the NDC, just as it claims he did with the NNPP.
The party’s National Secretary-General, Ogini Olaposi, made the allegations in a statement on Monday, urging the NDC to consider Kwankwaso’s political history before finalising its choice of running mate.
Olaposi said political parties should be cautious when selecting both presidential candidates and their running mates, particularly because a vice-presidential candidate could eventually assume the presidency.
“This is why political parties must be careful of who they choose as running mates and flag bearers,” he said.
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According to him, Kwankwaso’s emergence as a major contender in Nigeria’s political negotiations was partly made possible by the platform provided to him by the NNPP ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
“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, and now thinks he is free from the wrath of God?
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“Once a betrayer, always a betrayer, and posterity will prove us right,” Olaposi said.
He alleged that Kwankwaso turned against the NNPP after the 2023 presidential election despite the party having provided him with what he described as a “rare opportunity” to contest the presidency on its platform.
“The rare opportunity NNPP gave to Kwankwaso in 2023, in addition to a free ticket, is what has brought him to the frontline of negotiations at the presidential level in Nigeria at the moment,” he said.
Olaposi further alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions contributed to internal disagreements within the NNPP and the eventual departure of several party members.
“We will not forget in a hurry how he destroyed the party, leading to our members leaving in droves. He will betray the NDC in the same manner shortly,” he alleged.
NNPP Rejects Claim of Kwankwaso Takeover
The NNPP chieftain also rejected claims that the party was handed over to Kwankwaso by its founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam.
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He described such claims as “preposterous and unthinkable,” insisting that the party remained under the control of its legitimate structure.
“It is preposterous and unthinkable to assert that we dashed what belongs to the Board of Trustees of a registered political party out, without handing over the original certificate of registration,” Olaposi said.
‘Obi’s Popularity Alone Cannot Guarantee Victory’
Olaposi also cautioned the NDC against relying solely on Peter Obi’s popularity to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that Nigerian voters would also examine the political antecedents of Obi’s running mate before casting their ballots.
“One candidate in a party alone cannot guarantee victory. People will also look at the antecedents of the running mate because, in the event of any happenstance, the vice-president may become the president.
“Nigerians know this and the NDC will understand it at the polls,” he said.
NNPP Dismisses Rally Crowds as Electoral Strength
The NNPP secretary-general also dismissed the large crowds often seen at political rallies, arguing that such gatherings should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of electoral support.
“Pulling rented crowds at rallies is not tantamount to votes. The same crowd will be paid to be everywhere else,” Olaposi said.
He urged Seriake Dickson, whom he identified as the founder of the NDC, to remain vigilant and protect the party’s structure against what he described as a potential threat from Kwankwaso.
“It is our hope that Seriake Dickson, founder of NDC, shall be on the alert and ensure that his co-founders are duly activated to protect the structure of NDC from Kwankwaso,” he said.
Olaposi, however, extended an invitation to NNPP members who had left the party, urging them to return ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement comes amid continuing political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with opposition politicians and parties exploring possible alliances and ticket arrangements aimed at challenging the ruling establishment.
