- Prominent politicians, including Prof. Alkali, Senator Hunkuyi, and Prof. Angwe, join the APC, citing its appeal and opportunities for advancement
- Ganduje welcomes the new members and assures them a level playing field, while the defectors pledge to mobilize their supporters for the APC
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), welcomed several prominent politicians into the party. Among the new members are:
- Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, a former national chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
- Senator Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi, a former deputy national chairman of the NNPP and the NNPP’s candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Kaduna State.
- Prof. Bem Angwe, a former national legal adviser of the NNPP and Benue State governorship candidate.
- 23 others from the NNPP and PDP.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Prof. Alkali explained that their decision to join the APC was not merely due to its status as the ruling party but also because they believed it was the best political vehicle for their advancement.
Ganduje acknowledged that the NNPP had been influenced and infiltrated by an organization known as Kwankwasiyya. He pledged to provide the newcomers with a level playing field and ensure they were actively involved in the APC.
The defectors expressed their commitment to mobilize and integrate their supporters into the APC to contribute to the party’s progress.
NNPP Secretary Denies Faction, Says No Faction in the Party
The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Mr. Dipo Alayoku, has emphasized that there is no faction within the party. The NNPP has been embroiled in a series of crises, with some groups claiming leadership of the party, led by Major Agbo.
Mr. Alayoku dismissed speculations about a memorandum of understanding (MoU)-inspired deadline issued to Sen. Kwankwaso. He argued that these rumors were orchestrated by certain politicians and other political parties to disrupt NNPP’s political journey.
Alayoku stated that Senator Kwankwaso had undertaken an extensive campaign across Nigeria, visiting over 600 local governments during the previous election. He praised Kwankwaso’s commitment to reaching out to the electorate and his unwavering determination to lead the nation.