The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has apologised to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) following recent criticisms made by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
In a statement released on Sunday from Lagos, Dr. Oginni Olaposi, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, said the party disowns Kwankwaso’s remarks, stressing that he no longer speaks for the NNPP.
He confirmed that Kwankwaso has been expelled from the party and warned him against continuing to use the NNPP name to attack the APC or the Presidency.
“We hereby tender an unreserved apology to President Tinubu and the entire APC family, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for the unwarranted insults, abuse, and maligning statements issued by Kwankwaso,” Olaposi stated clearly in the release.
According to Olaposi, the break with Kwankwaso follows the termination of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiya Movement, which Kwankwaso leads. He noted that Kwankwaso should stop presenting himself as a representative of the NNPP.
“He was expelled long ago and should look inwards rather than blame others if his followers are now joining the APC,” Olaposi added.
The statement also noted that the NNPP remains focused on positive national growth under the leadership of its founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, who is known for maintaining a respectful approach toward Nigeria’s established authorities.
Dr. Oginni Olaposi underlined that the recent attacks on President Tinubu do not represent the official position of the NNPP but are rather personal opinions expressed by Kwankwaso and his expelled group.
Several court rulings have upheld Kwankwaso’s expulsion, including a recent judgement from the Abuja High Court on April 3, as well as decisions from the Abia State and Federal Capital Territory High Courts.
The NNPP spokesman urged the media and the public to refrain from associating Kwankwaso’s statements with the party. “Kwankwaso is the leader of the Kwankwasiya Movement, not the NNPP,” Olaposi stated firmly.
