The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (PNNP) in the 2023 general elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party is closely monitoring the country’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the race towards the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.
The former governor of Kano State made this statement at the national convention of the party, held on Saturday in Abuja, where members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were re-elected. Kwankwaso, who spoke in the presence of INEC representatives, party leaders and delegates from across the country, said the electoral body has a vital role to play for democracy to survive in Nigeria.
Congratulating the new INEC National Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, on his appointment, the former Minister of Defense said the public expects a lot from the Commission as the next general elections approach. Kwankwaso also thanked Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State for his support and said the party leadership will not relent in ensuring that the NNPP grows from strength to strength.
“Let me thank you all, especially those who came from afar. I also want to thank the INEC representatives here today and, through you, congratulate the newly appointed National Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan.
“I want to say that so far everything is going well; we keep our eyes on INEC because their work is so critical that it can make or break democracy in this country. So we thank you for coming and we look forward to an even better relationship between INEC and of course our party.
“I want to assure you that the leadership of the NNPP at all levels will continue to do everything necessary to ensure that this party grows from strength to strength. Let me also thank the governor of Kano State for supporting this party over the years,” Kwankwaso said.
Governor Yusuf, in his remarks at the event, said the convention was a turning point for the NNPP, stating that everyone must participate to strengthen the party.
The governor said: “This convention is not just another meeting. It is a defining moment in the life of our party. It is a time to reflect on where we come from, examine where we are today and boldly chart our future.
“In future political engagements, I call on all leaders at all levels to promote inclusion and justice. No district, state, zone or group should feel marginalized. Women and youth, who form the backbone of our population, must be fully integrated, not only in words but also in actions.
“Distinguished delegates, no political party can succeed without unity. Parties that are divided become weaker. When each member feels valued, the party becomes stronger. When all voices are heard, the party becomes more resilient.”
The re-elected national president of the party, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, speaking on behalf of its executive members, said the party was leaving no stone unturned when it came to the upcoming elections, noting that the NNPP had learned many lessons from the last general elections.
He said: “All eyes are on our great party to point the way forward for sustainable democracy and development in Nigeria. The NNPP is known for its strict adherence to internal democracy.
“We have learned from the 2023 general elections and will work harder for the 2027 general elections. Nigerians expect the 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.”
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, Alhaji Buba Galadima, described the NNPP as a grassroots party widely accepted by Nigerians.
“We congratulate the INEC Chairman, as our national leader did earlier. The NNPP does not depend on big names; we depend on the acceptability and capability of our people at all levels, whom we have a duty to thank for keeping our party flag flying.
“Secondly, I want to take this opportunity to thank our national leader for accepting the burden of responsibility of leading a political party. As a party administrator for the last 47 years, I can say that it is not easy for any individual to lead a national political party like the NNPP.”
Among others, the recently re-elected NNPP executives include the National President, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed; the national secretary, Dipo Olayoku; the national publicity secretary, Ladipo Johnson; the national treasurer, Ahmed Balewa; National Finance Secretary, Chief Aneine Clement; and the national legal advisor, Robert Hon.