The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has warned the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) against picking Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s running mate, saying he could turn against the party as he allegedly did with the NNPP.
NNPP National Secretary-General, Ogini Olaposi, made the claim in a statement on Monday, calling Obi’s choice of Kwankwaso a “gross mistake.”
Olaposi said Kwankwaso’s political history should have been considered before the decision. He said: “This is why political parties must be careful of who they choose as running mates and flag bearers.
“Kwankwaso dragged a party that brought him to the limelight in the presidential contest, freely gave him a platform and did all it could to support him, and now thinks he is free from the wrath of God?
“Once a betrayer, always a betrayer, and posterity will prove us right.”
He alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions after the 2023 election helped trigger the NNPP crisis and drove members out.
Olaposi also denied claims that NNPP founder Dr Boniface Aniebonam handed the party to Kwankwaso.
He warned that Obi’s popularity alone would not secure victory in 2027, saying voters would consider Kwankwaso’s record.
He also dismissed rally crowds as proof of electoral strength, saying: “Pulling rented crowds at rallies is not tantamount to votes. The same crowd will be paid to be everywhere else,”
Olaposi urged NDC founder Seriake Dickson to protect the party structure and called on former NNPP members to return ahead of the 2027 elections.
