Kwankwaso Used NNPP as a Bargaining Chip – Party Chairman

The National Chairman of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Agbo Gilbert Major, has accused the party’s former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of using the NNPP primarily to advance his personal political interests rather than to build the party nationwide.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Major alleged that Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential campaign was largely concentrated in Kano State and parts of Jigawa, while neglecting key regions such as the Southeast and Southwest. According to him, this demonstrated that Kwankwaso’s priority was strengthening his regional political base instead of pursuing a truly national campaign.

Major further claimed that Kwankwaso ultimately treated the NNPP as a “bargaining chip” for his political ambitions. He maintained that despite Kwankwaso’s departure, the NNPP remains active and has continued its preparations for the next general elections, including the submission of its National Assembly and presidential candidates.

The remarks come after Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, emerged as the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the forthcoming general election.

Major’s comments reflect the NNPP leadership’s criticism of Kwankwaso’s exit and suggest that the party is seeking to reposition itself independently ahead of the next election.