The National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, has dismissed circulating rumors that the party’s national leader and 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Describing the reports as “malicious speculation and deliberate misinformation,” Dr. Ajuji warned detractors and political rivals to “stop peddling lies aimed at destabilizing the NNPP and discrediting one of Nigeria’s most disciplined political movements.”
In recent weeks, social media has been awash with unverified claims that Kwankwaso was in “advanced talks” with ADC leaders over a potential switch. The rumors were further fueled by photos showing Kwankwaso meeting with prominent Southern politicians—some of whom have ties to the ADC—and whispers of dissatisfaction within NNPP’s national executive committee.
A fringe blog even reported that Kwankwaso had “secretly registered” with the ADC in anticipation of a fresh presidential bid under its banner.
But in a press conference held in Kano on Monday, Dr. Ajuji firmly denied any such development.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remains a loyal and committed leader of the NNPP. He is not joining the ADC or any other party. The NNPP is not in crisis, and there is no truth to these politically motivated stories,” Ajuji said.
Those spreading this propaganda are either panicking about our growing influence or hoping to create disunity where there is none. Let me be clear: the NNPP is stronger today than it was even before the 2023 elections, and we are building strategically for 2027.”
Although Kwankwaso himself has not publicly addressed the rumors, sources close to him suggest that he has chosen to ignore them deliberately, viewing them as distractions from his current consultations with political groups, youth organizations, and civil society actors across the country.
One aide to the former Kano governor told reporters anonymously, “Oga is not going anywhere. He’s focused on building an alternative political force, and the NNPP remains his platform of choice.”
In a separate development, the ADC’s acting national chairman, Chief Ezeobinna Nwokolo, also distanced the party from the speculation.
We have not had any formal discussions with Senator Kwankwaso regarding defection or candidacy. While we welcome all progressives interested in moving Nigeria forward, we do not engage in secret political recruitment,” Chief Nwokolo said.
Analysts believe the rumors may be part of a broader attempt to sow discord within NNPP ranks following internal restructuring efforts and recent defections by some local party figures. Kwankwaso’s growing popularity among Northern youths and marginalized communities has made him a key figure to watch ahead of 2027, particularly as traditional parties like the APC and PDP face internal fatigue and ideological disillusionment.
Dr. Ajuji hinted that the party would soon begin unveiling its national mobilization strategy and accused “elements within rival political parties” of attempting to create confusion.
Whether these rumors were mere mischief or signs of political scheming remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kwankwaso and the NNPP are not out of the national conversation. If anything, the renewed attention may only energize the party’s base and reinforce its outsider identity in an increasingly polarized political climate.
For now, the message from the NNPP is unambiguous:
“Kwankwaso is not leaving—and the red cap movement is just getting started.”
