The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has officially ruled out any possibility of its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, contesting under its platform in the 2027 presidential election. In a sharply worded statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Agbo Major, the party’s National Chairman, dismissed recent claims by Buba Galadima, a prominent ally of Kwankwaso, suggesting that the former Kano State governor would remain with the NNPP and run for the presidency once again in 2027.

Galadima, who is also a former member of the NNPP, had recently spoken in favor of Kwankwaso’s continued involvement with the party. He claimed that there was no solid evidence that Kwankwaso was planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), as had been speculated. Galadima further urged Nigerians to rally behind Kwankwaso for the 2027 election, calling on the party to stay united and continue to fight for a change in leadership.

However, Dr. Agbo Major, in his statement, strongly refuted these claims, asserting that both Kwankwaso and Galadima had long been expelled from the NNPP due to their involvement in what he described as “anti-party activities.” Major stated that neither Kwankwaso nor Galadima could use the NNPP platform for any future political ambitions, emphasizing that the party had moved on from their involvement.

“The NNPP platform is closed to both Kwankwaso and Galadima. They have no standing within the party, and they cannot speak for us or use our platform for any political contest, particularly the presidency,” Major said. “Kwankwaso’s relationship with the NNPP ended shortly after the 2023 presidential election, and our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with his Kwankwasiya Movement also ceased after the election.”

Major’s remarks come in response to growing speculation about Kwankwaso’s future political moves and the possibility of his return to the NNPP, which he once led as the party’s presidential candidate in 2023. However, Major made it abundantly clear that there would be no reconciliation, citing a history of internal turmoil and legal battles caused by Kwankwaso’s actions within the party.

“Kwankwaso caused unnecessary divisions within the NNPP, leading us into costly litigation and even attempting to change the party logo to that of his Kwankwasiya Movement,” Major recounted. “His efforts to hijack the leadership of the party were unsuccessful, and the courts had to intervene to ensure that the NNPP’s original logo was restored by INEC. He clearly hoped for another ‘free ticket,’ but that will not happen.”

Dr. Agbo Major further elaborated on the internal struggles the NNPP faced under Kwankwaso’s leadership, claiming that the former governor attempted to dominate the party and steer it away from its core objectives. According to Major, Kwankwaso’s actions were part of a broader effort to secure the party’s presidential ticket for himself without going through the proper processes or respecting the party’s leadership.

“We will not allow Kwankwaso to return, no matter the circumstances. He betrayed the trust of the party and caused unnecessary infighting,” Major asserted. “He cannot be trusted again. He is someone who has repeatedly shown that he only cares about securing leadership positions for himself, even at the expense of party unity.”

The NNPP chairman was also unequivocal in his stance that Kwankwaso could not expect any “special favors” in the 2027 presidential race. Major made it clear that Kwankwaso’s chances of securing the party’s nomination were over, especially since he had been expelled from the party. He accused Kwankwaso of attempting to manipulate the party’s structures to suit his own political ambitions, a claim that Major believes contributed to the party’s difficulties during and after the 2023 election.

“Kwankwaso must understand that we will no longer hand over our ticket on a platter of gold, as was done in 2023,” Major stated. “Our ticket will not be available to anyone who betrayed the party and is no longer a member. The NNPP has learned from its past mistakes, and we will follow the due process in selecting our candidate for 2027.”

The chairman went on to dismiss Kwankwaso’s claims of being a serious contender against President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing his ambitions as “dead on arrival.” According to Major, Kwankwaso simply does not have the political capital or the leadership credentials needed to challenge the incumbent president, whose party, the APC, holds significant power at the national level.

“Kwankwaso does not have the pedigree to match President Tinubu in any contest. His ambitions are unrealistic, and he has no significant support base to mount a serious challenge,” Major added. “We have seen how Kwankwaso operates, and we know that his political future is uncertain. He is not a threat to the Tinubu administration, and his ambitions are not worth taking seriously.”

While Dr. Major firmly closed the door on any potential return of Kwankwaso to the NNPP, he also acknowledged that Kwankwaso, like any other Nigerian, had the right to seek any public office he desires, including the presidency. However, Major insisted that Kwankwaso should do so independently and without involving the NNPP in his personal political battles.

“Kwankwaso has the right, as a Nigerian citizen, to contest for any political office, including the presidency,” Major said. “However, he should not involve the NNPP in his personal antagonisms against President Tinubu or anyone else. If he wants to run for office again, he should do so under a platform that he creates for himself, not under the banner of the NNPP.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Dr. Agbo Major revealed that the NNPP was already being approached by several prospective presidential candidates. He emphasized that the party would carefully consider all aspirants and select its candidate through a transparent and constitutional process. Major stressed that no candidate would be allowed to bypass the party’s structures or leadership, particularly after the controversies surrounding Kwankwaso.

“The NNPP is being approached by many potential aspirants, and we will evaluate them at the appropriate time,” Major said. “Whoever emerges as our candidate for 2027 will do so following due process. We are committed to ensuring that the right person leads our party and represents us in the next election.”

Major also made it clear that the NNPP had learned from its past experiences and would not be drawn into unnecessary controversies. He urged Nigerians to disregard any future statements from Kwankwaso or Galadima that might suggest they are still speaking for the party.

“We have moved on from Kwankwaso and his group. The NNPP is focused on building a party that can address Nigeria’s real issues, not on personal vendettas or petty politics,” Major concluded. “If Kwankwaso and his group want to pursue their own agenda, they should do so outside of the NNPP. We will not be dragged into unnecessary controversies again.”

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the NNPP’s stance on Kwankwaso’s political future marks a significant turning point for the party. With internal divisions behind it, the party now seeks to consolidate its position and focus on offering Nigerians a viable alternative to the status quo. However, the question remains whether Kwankwaso will form his own political platform or attempt another comeback elsewhere. Only time will tell how these political dynamics will unfold in the years ahead.