Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso denies reports of alliance talks, affirming that the NNPP remains independent and focused, with no current political negotiations.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has categorically denied speculations that his party is currently engaged in alliance talks with other political groups.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Kwankwaso emphasized that the NNPP and its members are firmly rooted in their political position, with no immediate intentions to form any coalition.
He explained, “Our members are not in a hurry; every decision we make is carefully thought through.
“At this time, the NNPP is not in negotiations with any political party regarding the formation of alliances.
“That said, this does not exclude the possibility of future engagements. As politicians, we remain open to dialogue with any group or individual willing to engage constructively with us.”
Kwankwaso’s clarification comes amid persistent rumors suggesting that he might return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria.
The speculation gained momentum after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hinted at including opposition figures in his cabinet, prompting many political watchers to assume that Kwankwaso could be offered a ministerial position.
The former Kano governor, however, appeared determined to quell these assumptions, reaffirming his loyalty to the NNPP and the party’s current strategy.
In a related political development, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central in the National Assembly, has formally announced his resignation from the APC.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service from Kaduna, Marafa accused President Tinubu of exhibiting bias in favour of politicians who had little or no involvement in the party’s grassroots activities.
Marafa recalled that, prior to the 2023 general elections, the President had promised to end what he famously described as the “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop syndrome”, pledging to punish those who benefited from the party without contributing to its foundation.
“He even said he was going to kill the baboon,” Marafa said.
He lamented that the reality has deviated sharply from that promise, alleging, “Those in Abuja, who have no connection with their grassroots, are now being favoured by the government. We, who laboured tirelessly for the party, are not being considered or acknowledged.”
Kabiru Marafa resigns from APC, accuses Tinubu of betrayal
These contrasting developments—Kwankwaso’s rejection of alliance rumors and Marafa’s exit from the APC—highlight ongoing tensions and shifting dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
While the NNPP under Kwankwaso maintains a strategy of careful deliberation and independence, dissatisfaction within the ruling APC points to potential fractures and discontent among those who feel sidelined despite their contributions to the party’s growth.
Political analysts suggest that these incidents may have broader implications for Nigeria’s upcoming electoral cycles, as parties navigate alliances, loyalty, and the balancing of grassroots influence with central leadership decisions.
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