Choosing Kwankwaso as Obi’s running mate ‘a gross mistake’ – NNPP tells NDC
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following its selection of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as the running mate for presidential candidate Peter Obi. The NNPP has labeled this decision a significant error.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr. Ogini Olaposi, the National Secretary-General of the NNPP, raised concerns about Kwankwaso’s behavior after he ran for president on the NNPP ticket in 2023, suggesting that he might ultimately betray the NDC.
Olaposi noted that Kwankwaso’s political history should have been a factor in the NDC’s decision to nominate him as Obi’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election. He claimed that the NNPP previously provided Kwankwaso with an opportunity, giving him a presidential ticket that enhanced his national profile, only for him to subsequently turn against the party.
“Kwankwaso drew support from the party that elevated him during the presidential contest and provided him a platform,” Olaposi said. “Once a betrayer, always a betrayer, and posterity will prove us right.”
He also stated that Kwankwaso’s actions contributed to internal discord within the NNPP, leading to the departure of several members.
The NNPP’s statement rejected allegations that the party was handed over to Kwankwaso by its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam. According to Olaposi, such claims are unfounded, asserting that the NNPP remains under the stewardship of its Board of Trustees and has not been transferred to Kwankwaso.
Additionally, Olaposi contended that Peter Obi’s popularity alone would not ensure success for the NDC in the upcoming election, emphasizing that voters will also consider the track record of the vice-presidential candidate.
