The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has leveled serious accusations against its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alleging that his actions have torn the party apart and driven key members into the arms of rival political groups.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NNPP’s National Secretary, Dr. Ogini Olaposi, said the former Kano State governor’s alleged attempt to seize control of the party through his Kwankwasiya Movement sparked a wave of internal conflict and distrust.

According to Olaposi, this leadership tussle has already caused major defections, including that of Rep. Abdulmuni Jibrin, who recently rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Ambassador Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, who switched to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The NNPP has faced numerous court cases and persistent leadership struggles since Kwankwaso and his group attempted to hijack the party’s structures,” Olaposi lamented. He added that many influential members, especially in Kano, have abandoned the party for the ruling APC as a result.

Olaposi also accused Kwankwaso of betraying Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the NNPP’s founder and Chairman of its Board of Trustees. “Kwankwaso and his followers broke the trust placed in them by Dr. Aniebonam, a man who built this party on integrity and loyalty,” he said.

The secretary noted that the ongoing internal crisis has weakened morale among members, with many seeking political stability ahead of the 2027 elections. He expressed concern that more defections could follow if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to act swiftly on the leadership issue despite existing court rulings in favor of Dr. Agbo Major’s faction.

Still, Olaposi maintained that the NNPP harbors no ill will toward those leaving, acknowledging that membership in any political organization is a matter of personal choice. “Every Nigerian has the right to associate freely. Those who left did so willingly, not under pressure,” he stated.

He reassured loyal supporters that the NNPP remains committed to its founding principles of honesty, integrity, and ideological discipline. “We urge our members to stay calm as we work toward restoring unity. INEC must not wait for another court order to enforce valid judgments,” he concluded.