By Peace Udugba – The Daily Torch Media
The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dipo Olayoku, has described the resignation of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the party as a predictable development rooted in long-standing ideological and strategic differences.
Kwankwaso, who was also the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, officially resigned from the party on Sunday, March 29, 2026, citing the need for “strategic realignment.” He is expected to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a ceremony in Kano, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Olayoku said the development had long been anticipated by party leaders. According to him, internal disagreements over political direction, leadership alignment, and coalition strategy had made continued coexistence increasingly difficult.
“Oh yes, it didn’t come as a surprise,” Olayoku said. “We had earlier indicated that realignments were inevitable. Individuals within the party have their own positions about where their interests are best protected, especially in a dynamic political system like Nigeria’s.”
He explained that tensions within the NNPP had been building for months, driven by conflicting views on governance philosophy, coalition politics, and the future of opposition alignment in the country. These divisions, he noted, reflected deeper ideological differences rather than mere tactical disagreements.
Olayoku further revealed that debates within the party had centered on whether to align with the ruling bloc or maintain an independent opposition stance—an issue that ultimately widened the gap between Kwankwaso and other stakeholders.
The NNPP scribe also pointed to earlier defections at the state level as warning signs of the party’s internal strain. He said those developments deepened tensions and accelerated the eventual split, as party leaders struggled to agree on a unified political direction.
Despite Kwankwaso’s exit, Olayoku maintained that the NNPP remains structurally sound and capable of rebuilding. He emphasized that the party, founded in 2002, predates Kwankwaso’s involvement and is not dependent on any single individual for survival.
“NNPP has been on ground for more than 20 years. Although Kwankwaso’s entry in 2022 elevated the party to national prominence, it does not mean the party cannot continue to grow,” he said.
