The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has refuted claims of internal crisis following recent defections, including that of Senator Kawu Samaila. Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson has assured the public that the party remains stable and focused on the future.
In an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Johnson described the exit of some lawmakers as a normal political occurrence, not an indication of disarray within the party.
“One senator and a few House of Representatives members leaving does not equate to a crisis,” Johnson stated. “Politics is dynamic—defections are part of the game.”
He dismissed speculations that the NNPP was planning to merge or dissolve into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that no such resolution has been reached either by the party leadership or by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s national leader.
Addressing the departure of Senator Kawu, who recently returned to the APC, Johnson pointed out that the lawmaker had once been a beneficiary of the Kwankwasiyya movement’s political support. He expressed confidence that Kawu might return to the NNPP fold by the 2027 elections.
“Kawu left the APC for the NNPP after being unfairly treated during their primaries. With our support, he won a Senate seat. Now he’s gone back—but we hope to welcome him back again in 2027,” Johnson said.
He also revealed that many of Kawu’s supporters had recently met with Senator Kwankwaso in Kano, reaffirming their commitment to the NNPP. During that meeting, Kwankwaso reportedly made remarks about political loyalty and the disappointment of elected members defecting after gaining power.
Despite recent setbacks, Johnson emphasized that the party continues to enjoy strong grassroots support, particularly among young Nigerians. He credited this to Kwankwaso’s past initiatives, including scholarship programs and youth empowerment projects championed by both Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.
“Our base remains strong. The youth who have benefited from our programs are now becoming politically active. The NNPP is growing, especially among young voters,” Johnson concluded.
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