The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has denied claims that its national leader and 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to widespread speculation on social media, NNPP’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Prince Nweze Onu, described the rumours as unfounded and a product of political misinformation amplified by artificial intelligence and online manipulation.
“Talks about Kwankwaso moving to the APC only exist on social media,” Onu said. “The use of artificial intelligence and other instruments of social media is very dangerous and makes people spin a lot of narration, especially when it comes to politics.”
He further clarified that Kwankwaso’s recent appearance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja was misinterpreted. According to Onu, the former Kano governor attended a government programme and not a political meeting.
“No, he didn’t go for any visitation. He only went there for a programme. The only reason both of them were seen together was because the programme was held at the Presidential Villa,” he explained.
However, Kwankwaso’s statement to State House correspondents on July 21, 2025, after meeting President Bola Tinubu, has continued to fuel speculation. During the encounter, he said their discussion “centred on politics and governance,” and that he “might work with Tinubu,” raising questions about a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response, Prince Onu said such talks were overblown and reiterated that Kwankwaso remains a leading opposition figure with the right to criticise the Tinubu administration.
“He is right. It is a clear manifestation, and that has been the reason we in the opposition have to talk. Somebody must make the president realise what he’s doing,” he stated.
He also confirmed that Kwankwaso will contest the 2027 presidential election, saying, “Why not? That is what we are saying. For as long as he is a Nigerian and he meets the statutory requirement to aspire to vote and be voted for, he is good to go.”
Onu accused the APC of being overly obsessed with the 2027 election and attempting to destabilise the opposition with misinformation.
“They are just too desperate. Their attempt to do too much is what is pushing them into depression,” he said.
