The former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has emerged as the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Is the former Defence Minister in anyway a threat to the All Progressive Congress(APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)?
The tempestous politician is genuinely popular in Kano, his political base. His capacity to muster truly national base to challenge the established political parties is largely in doubt.
Analysts while concluding that the former Kano Governor will be a miracle worked to surplant both APC and PDP are also quick to point out that political earthquake cannot be ruled out, considering the uncertainity of the political space.
Others also question the war chest available to the former Deputy Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives. It is questionable if the party or its national leader can muster huge resources needed to tame the ruling party or overpower the PDP
Nigerian political space is however in a state of flux. Cross carpetting operations may heighten after the various primaries for the 2o23 elections. How NNPP can benefit from such fallouts is yet to be seen.
But Kwankwaso has a rich political resume.
Speaking on his experience, he said that in 30 years, he contested elections 16 times and won 13 times.
“I know why people lose elections and I know how people win elections.
“In the last 30 years, I have contested elections 16 times and won 13 times.”
Some of the newly elected leaders of the NNPP are: Prof. Rufai Alkali (a political scientist and former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from Gombe State) – National Chairman; AVM Ifemeje John Chris (Rtd) (Anambra)- Deputy National Chairman
Mr Dipo Olayoku (Ogun)- National Secretary
Senator Suleiman (Kaduna)- National Organizing Secretary
Major Gilbert Agbo (Benue) – Kaduna and National Publicity Secretary
In remarks, Kwankwaso said he was impressed with the support of his loyalists and supporters of the party.
“What remains is for all of us to go back to the grassroots, our states and local governments to register ourselves and families and to tell all Nigerians to register with NNPP.
“We are all aware that the people are tired of the APC and PDP and that was why previous elections recorded low voter turnout.
“We thank God that we have fresh air for a better new Nigeria. People are tired and want change and the NNPP is the fresh air that can do it,” Kwankwaso said.
