The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said the party is closely monitoring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin.
Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday in Abuja during the NNPP national convention, where members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were re-elected. He spoke in the presence of INEC officials, party leaders, and delegates from across the country.
The former governor of Kano State said INEC plays a very important role in Nigeria’s democracy, adding that its actions can either strengthen or damage the democratic process.
While congratulating the newly appointed INEC national chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, Kwankwaso said Nigerians have high expectations from the electoral body as the next general elections draw closer. He also thanked Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for his continued support for the party.
“We are keeping our eyes on INEC because its job is very critical. It can make or destroy democracy in this country,” Kwankwaso said. “We appreciate your presence here and hope for a better working relationship between INEC and our party.”
He assured party members that the NNPP leadership at all levels would continue working hard to strengthen and expand the party nationwide.
In his remarks, Governor Abba Yusuf described the convention as a major turning point for the NNPP. He stressed the need for unity, inclusiveness, and fairness within the party.
“This convention is not just another gathering; it is a defining moment for our party,” Yusuf said. “We must ensure that no ward, state, zone, or group feels left out. Women and youths must be fully included, not just in words but in action.”
The governor added that unity is essential for the success of any political party, noting that when members feel valued and heard, the party becomes stronger.
Speaking on behalf of the re-elected executives, NNPP National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, said the party had learned important lessons from the 2023 general election and was already preparing seriously for 2027.
“All eyes are on the NNPP to show the way forward for democracy and development in Nigeria,” he said. “We will work harder and remain committed to internal democracy to meet the expectations of Nigerians.”
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Buba Galadima, described the NNPP as a grassroots party that enjoys wide acceptance across the country.
He said the party does not depend on big political names but on the support and commitment of ordinary Nigerians. Galadima also praised Kwankwaso for taking on the responsibility of leading a national political party, describing it as a difficult task.
Among the re-elected NNPP officials are Dr Ajuji Ahmed as National Chairman; Dipo Olayoku as National Secretary; Ladipo Johnson as National Publicity Secretary; Ahmed Balewa as National Treasurer; Chief Aneine Clement as National Financial Secretary; and Robert Hon as National Legal Adviser.
