The recently elected Vice National Chairman (South-West) of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Wasiu Ajirotutu, has expressed his views on Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, describing him as a political liability.
Ajirotutu has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Kwankwaso to publicly deny allegations of a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, just four days before the election.
In a statement released to the press on Monday, Ajirotutu, the NNPP regional leader, stood firm on his stance that the meeting between Kwankwaso and President Bola Tinubu, just days before the Presidential Election, amounted to anti-party activities and a betrayal of trust by the NNPP’s presidential candidate.
Ajirotutu’s rise to the position of Southwest Chairman of the Party came last week Tuesday following the sacking of Kwankwaso’s faction of the National Working Committee (NWC) by the Board of Trustees, which also handed a six-month suspension to Kwankwaso.
In his response to Kwankwaso’s suspension, Ajirotutu was unequivocal, alleging that the former NNPP presidential candidate had exploited the party’s structure for his personal gains.
Despite these challenges, Ajirotutu conveyed his determination to elevate the party’s status in the Southwest region.
He remarked, “Kwankwaso cajoled us, behaving as if he was contesting for the presidency when, in reality, he was merely pretending and not a serious contender.
“He used the party’s name to engage in dealings with other political parties and their candidates to gain favor. It’s regrettable that Kwankwaso is now accusing an innocent individual, our founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, of anti-party activities.
“I urge all NNPP members in Yoruba land to remain calm and vigilant as we witness the unfolding events on the path to realizing the New Nigeria of our dreams.”