Spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has asserted that the recent defection of some high-profile members, including Senator Kawu Ismaila, does not mean the party is in crisis.
Naija News reports that in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Johnson clarified that the party is not in turmoil, stressing that defections are bound to happen in politics.
The NNPP chieftain also dismissed insinuations that more defections may follow, noting that there is no decision about dissolving the party into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said, “We’re not in crisis. The fact that one senator and two or three members of the House of Reps left, or one more will leave, these things happen.
“Senator Kwankwaso hasn’t taken any decision. The party itself hasn’t taken any decision, as to whether they’re remaining, moving to the left, moving to the right, or whatever. We’re still working on it. It’s politics.”
Addressing the exit of Senator representing Kano South, Kawu Samaila, Johnson noted that the Kwankwasiyya movement played a role in his political elevation, expressing optimism that he would return to the party in 2027.
Despite the defections, Johnson insisted that the party’s grassroots support remains solid, especially among youth and former beneficiaries of Kwankwaso’s social intervention programs.
He added, “Ka’u Ismaila was in the APC. He got wronged during their primaries. He came over. And I think the Kwankwaso movement really helped him. He became senator. He’s gone back home, but we hope to see him again in 2027.
“Just about two weeks ago, most of the supporters of Ka’u Ismaila met with Senator Kwankwaso in Kano and clearly stated their positions. That was where he [Kwankwaso] made the statement about betrayers — people getting elected and then leaving.
“We have a lot of the younger ones coming in, those who have benefited from scholarships, et cetera, through the Kwankwaso times and recent times through Abba Yusuf. The Kwankwaso group and the NNPP are growing youth-wise.”