KEY POINTS

• Rabiu Kwankwaso resigned from the NNPP, citing the need for “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s political landscape.
• The former Kano governor thanked party leaders and Kwankwasiyya supporters for their backing.
• His resignation comes amid talks with ADC leaders and plans to formally defect ahead of the 2027 elections.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned from the party, citing the need for what he described as a “strategic realignment” in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Kwankwaso made the announcement in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, expressing gratitude to the party leadership and members for their support during his time as National Leader and presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general election.

According to him, the decision to leave the NNPP was difficult but necessary, as he seeks a political platform that offers a better opportunity to drive meaningful change in the country.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect,” he said. “Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation.”

The former Kano State governor thanked the party’s National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, members of the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and supporters across all levels of the party. He also appreciated followers of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for their loyalty and commitment.

Kwankwaso rose to political prominence through the grassroots-driven Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes, particularly in Kano State. The movement formed the backbone of NNPP’s performance during the 2023 elections.

However, recent political developments exposed divisions within his base, especially following reported tensions between Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after the governor defected from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development was widely viewed as a major blow to the party’s influence in Kano.

Amid the uncertainty, Kwankwaso has held meetings with key opposition figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola. The engagements have fuelled speculation about a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has also announced plans for Kwankwaso to formally defect to the ADC on Monday, a move that could reshape opposition politics and alter alignments ahead of the next election cycle.