The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has attributed the recent wave of defections from its ranks to internal leadership disputes and alleged anti-party actions by its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

This comes in the wake of two high-profile exits: Rep. Abdulmuni Jibrin, a former director-general of President Bola Tinubu’s Support Groups, officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, pledging support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. On the same day, Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, a former NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, resigned from the party to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement released on Tuesday, NNPP National Secretary Ogini Olaposi described the defections as a direct result of a preventable leadership crisis fueled by Kwankwaso and his supporters. Olaposi accused the former presidential candidate of attempting to monopolize decision-making within the party, undermining its democratic processes.

“The NNPP has been plagued by litigation and leadership disputes since Kwankwaso and his faction sought to control the party’s structures,” Olaposi said. “Responsible politicians cannot thrive in a party where one person acts as the sole authority while claiming to uphold democracy. Sadly, Kwankwaso and his followers betrayed the trust placed in them by our founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who awarded him the presidential ticket without any cost.”

Olaposi noted that defections were not entirely unexpected, given the upcoming 2027 general elections. He framed the movement of members as a natural alignment toward parties where they feel politically relevant and free from what he described as internal abuses of power.

The NNPP maintained that it respects the freedom of members to choose their political affiliations. “Politics is not a do-or-die affair,” Olaposi said. “Those whose values no longer align with NNPP are free to leave, and we welcome new members who share our ideology.”

Also Read: Apply Now: 2025 Grants & Funding Opportunities for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Looking ahead, Olaposi expressed optimism that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will swiftly resolve the party’s leadership disputes, ensuring NNPP can compete effectively in future elections. “We urge all members to remain calm and law-abiding as we work to regain control and strengthen the party ahead of 2027,” he added.