By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The National Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ogini Olaposi, has dismissed claims that the party’s former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, still wields significant political influence in Kano State.

Olaposi said Kwankwaso’s influence as a former governor has waned and would not affect President Bola Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the state during the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NNPP chieftain noted that the party’s presidential ticket for 2027 is open to all qualified members, unlike in 2023 when it was exclusively allocated to Kwankwaso.

He attributed the party’s current position to alleged anti-party activities following the last presidential election, which he said led to the expulsion of several prominent figures, including Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima, adding that the expulsions remain in force.

Olaposi disclosed that the NNPP already has several prospective presidential aspirants, including two members from the diaspora, and remains open to additional contenders as well as strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to him, Kwankwaso lacks the nationwide appeal to significantly influence electoral outcomes, insisting that President Tinubu’s strength going into 2027 would be anchored on governance performance rather than personal political structures.

He further stated that many key members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reducing Kwankwaso’s political weight in Kano State.

Olaposi maintained that the APC’s electoral strategy for 2027 would be driven by its record in office, adding that Kwankwaso’s role as a former governor no longer poses a threat to President Tinubu’s expected vote share in Kano.