A faction of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) led by Major Agbo has announced the expulsion of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s presidential candidate. This expulsion was attributed to Kwankwaso’s alleged anti-party activities and misappropriation of campaign funds, as declared in a statement released in Abuja by the NNPP factional National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq.
This development comes shortly after factional leaders had expressed their intent to investigate Kwankwaso and some of his loyalists regarding the alleged misappropriation of over N1 billion generated from the sale of nomination forms.
Abdulrasaq emphasized that Kwankwaso’s expulsion took place after he failed to appear before the disciplinary panel within five days to defend himself against allegations of “gross anti-party activities and mismanagement of party campaign funds.” He noted that the expulsion was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the party’s 2022 constitution as amended.
In response, Ladipo Johnson, an ally of Kwankwaso and the National Auditor of NNPP, expressed discontent with the report and stated that Agbo’s faction lacks the authority to dismiss the former governor. He asserted that those involved in the expulsion are no longer part of the party and cannot speak on its behalf. Johnson indicated that a press conference would soon be held to address the matter.
The dispute within the NNPP underscores internal divisions and conflicts within political parties in Nigeria. These disputes can impact party cohesion and influence the broader political landscape in the country.