Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced his resignation from the party, citing the need for a strategic political realignment amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Kwankwaso made the announcement in a statement issued on Sunday, saying his decision to leave the party was taken after careful consideration of the country’s current political dynamics and the need to reposition for effective national change.
The former governor, who served as the NNPP’s national leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian general election, described his exit as difficult but necessary.
“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party with immediate effect,” he said.
Kwankwaso noted that although his time in the party was marked by strong collaboration and shared political goals, he believes a different political platform now offers a better opportunity to pursue reforms and national development.
“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.
His resignation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s opposition politics, particularly in northern Nigeria where the influential Kwankwasiyya movement maintains a strong grassroots following.
The former Kano governor expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and members of the National Working Committee for their support during his time in the NNPP.
He also thanked members of the party’s Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee and party leaders at ward, local government and state levels for their commitment to the party’s ideals.
Kwankwaso further acknowledged the dedication of supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political structure widely credited for the NNPP’s electoral successes in Kano State and parts of northern Nigeria during the 2023 elections.
Despite his departure from the party, the former senator indicated that collaboration with political allies and supporters would continue as efforts intensify toward building a stronger political alternative in the country.
“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he said.
