Politics

Kwankwaso No Longer Our Member, NNPP Insists Amid Supreme Court Controversy

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedFebruary 7, 2026

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has formally distanced itself from its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his claim that he facilitated a meeting between Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and some Supreme Court judges in 2019, insisting he was not a member of the party at the time and no longer belongs to it.

The party clarified its position over the weekend, stressing that Kwankwaso could not have acted on behalf of the NNPP in 2019 because he only joined the party shortly before the 2023 general elections.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the NNPP rejected attempts to link it to the controversy and urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to remove the party’s name from any petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police on the matter.

“We are here to set the records straight. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was not a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party in 2019 when he allegedly committed the offence of taking Governor Abba Yusuf to see some Supreme Court judges,” Oginni said.

The statement explained that Kwankwaso joined the NNPP shortly before the 2023 elections alongside other political figures, including Buba Galadima, Prof. Alkali, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Prof. Hanga and Governor Abba Yusuf.

The party also dismissed claims that Kwankwaso was among its founders, maintaining that the authentic founder of the NNPP is Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam.

“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was never one of the founding fathers of the NNPP. The authentic founder of the party is Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam,” the statement said.

The NNPP further accused Kwankwaso of attempting to take control of the party after joining, alleging that he unilaterally changed its logo and colours to reflect his Kwankwasiyya political movement without approval from the founder or the Board of Trustees.

“It is sad that Senator Kwankwaso attempted to convert the intellectual property of the founder of NNPP to his personal use,” the statement added.

Recalling earlier internal disputes, the party said a faction loyal to Kwankwaso had challenged the legitimacy of a convention that produced Dr Agbo Gilbert Major as National Chairman and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday as National Secretary, noting that the case was later dismissed by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Reiterating its position, the NNPP said Kwankwaso is no longer a member of the party, stating that he was expelled shortly after the 2023 elections for what it described as gross misconduct, while also alleging that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja is investigating related matters.

“We are hereby reiterating the resolution of the National Working Committee that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is no longer a member of the NNPP,” Oginni said.

“He was expelled shortly after the 2023 election for gross misconduct.”

The party affirmed that its recognised leadership includes Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam as Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Agbo Gilbert Major as National Chairman, and Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday as National Secretary.

“Senator Kwankwaso has long been expelled from the NNPP and should no longer be addressed as the National Leader of our great party,” the statement said.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.