The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday declared that the party would keep a close watch on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the 2027 general election,
He described the electoral umpire’s role as critical to the survival of democracy.
Kwankwaso spoke in Abuja at the NNPP national convention, shortly after newly re-elected party executives took their oath of office, in the presence of INEC representatives, party leaders and delegates from across the country.
The NNPP national leader congratulated INEC on the appointment of its new national chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, while stressing that public confidence in elections depends largely on the commission’s conduct.
“Let me thank all of you, especially those who came from far. I also want to appreciate the INEC representatives here today and, through you, congratulate the newly appointed National Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan,” he stated.
“I want to say so far so good, we are keeping our eyes on INEC because its job is so critical that it can make or mar democracy in this country. So we thank you for coming, and we look forward to an even better relationship between INEC and, of course, with our party.
“I want to assure you that the leadership of NNPP at all levels will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that this party grows from strength to strength. Let me also thank the Governor of Kano State for supporting this party over these years.”
The convention, which ratified decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC), comes as the NNPP intensifies preparations for the 2027 polls after its breakout performance in the 2023 general election.
In 2023, the NNPP emerged as a major political force, winning the Kano State governorship and securing a strong showing in the presidential election, where Kwankwaso finished fourth nationwide but dominated Kano and parts of the North-West.
The election, however, was marred by controversies surrounding INEC’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the failure of the iReV portal to upload results in real time as earlier promised, triggering widespread criticism, litigation and demands for electoral reforms.
NNPP leaders have since argued that lessons from the experience must guide preparations for 2027.
Speaking at the convention, Kano State, Governor, Abba Yusuf, described the gathering as a turning point for the party and warned against internal exclusion that could weaken its base.
“This convention is just not another gathering. It is a defining moment in the life of our party. It is a moment to reflect on where we are coming from. To examine where we stand today and to boldly chart our future.
“In future political engagements, I call on all leaders at every level to promote inclusiveness and fairness. No ward, state, zone, or group should feel marginalised. Women and youths who form the backbone of our population must be fully carried along, not just in words but in action.
“Distinguished delegates, no political party can succeed without unity. Parties that stand divided fall weakened. When every member feels valued, the party grows stronger. When every voice is heard, the party becomes more resilient.” he urged.
In his acceptance speech, the re-elected National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed, said the party had drawn lessons from the last general election and was determined to work harder ahead of 2027.
“All eyes are on our great party to point the way forward for sustainable democracy and development in Nigeria. NNPP is known for its strict compliance with internal democracy.
“We have learned from the 2023 general election and will work harder for the 2027 general election. Nigerians look up to NNPP to chart the way forward for our dear nation. We must live up to their expectations. Together we will restore genuine democracy in Nigeria,” he appealed.
Also speaking, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Buba Galadima, said the party’s strength lies in its grassroots acceptability rather than reliance on political heavyweights.
“We congratulate the chairman of INEC as the national leader of our party, as the national leader of our party earlier did. The NNPP does not rely on big names. We rely on the acceptability and the ability of our people at all levels, whom we definitely owe a duty to thank them all through for keeping the flag of our party flying.
“Secondly, I want to use this opportunity to thank our National Leader for accepting the burden of responsibility of running a political party. I want to say, as a party administrator for the last 47 years, it is not easy for any individual to run a national political party like the NNPP,” he argued.
The newly re-elected NNPP executives include National Chairman, Dr Ajuji Ahmed; National Secretary, Dipo Olayoku; National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson; National Treasurer, Ahmed Balewa; National Financial Secretary, Chief Aneine Clement; and National Legal Adviser, Robert Hon, among others.
