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 NNPP to the coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, as a predictable political development rooted in long-standing ideological and strategic differences within the party, stressing that the move was anticipated rather than abrupt, and reflects the deep divisions that had been quietly shaping the party’s internal dynamics for months.
He noted that the defection, though significant, aligns with earlier warning signs observed within the party’s structure, particularly around issues of alignment, leadership direction, and political survival ahead of the 2027 elections.
Olayoku who made this known while speaking on Monday during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, said that the departure of Kwankwaso, while impactful, does not come as a shock to the leadership of the party, as internal disagreements over political direction had reached a point where coexistence was becoming increasingly difficult, adding that the decision was largely influenced by conflicting views on coalition politics, governance philosophy, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the development should be understood within the broader context of Nigeria’s fluid political environment, where alliances are often shaped by both ideology and strategic interests rather than permanence.
“Oh yes, yes, yes. It didn’t come as a surprise. Because I told you the last time I featured on your programme that as a political party, we are looking at realignment, and individuals within the party also have their own positions regarding where they believe their interests are best protected, especially in a political system as dynamic as Nigeria’s.” He further explained that the party had long anticipated a divergence of views, particularly among key stakeholders whose priorities no longer aligned with the party’s collective direction.
Recall that in a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso officially resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party on Sunday, March 29, 2026, citing the need for “strategic realignment,” and is expected to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress today, March 30, at a ceremony in Kano, marking the end of a turbulent relationship with the NNPP leadership and signaling a broader opposition consolidation effort aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
The move has been interpreted by analysts as a calculated attempt to reposition both himself and his political structure within a more expansive coalition framework.
The defection has sent ripples across Nigeria’s political terrain, particularly with Kwankwaso directing millions of his Kwankwasiyya Movement members to register with the ADC nationwide, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power within opposition politics while strengthening the ADC’s grassroots presence across several regions of the country.
High-profile political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, have reportedly arrived in Kano to witness the transition, further underscoring the national significance of the development and its potential implications for coalition-building efforts ahead of 2027.
While the NNPP leadership has publicly distanced itself from the move, Olayoku provided deeper insight into the internal disagreements that led to Kwankwaso’s exit, particularly around the issue of political alignment with the ruling structure, noting that there had been ongoing debates within the party regarding whether to align with the ruling bloc or maintain an independent opposition stance.
He suggested that these disagreements were not merely tactical but reflected deeper ideological divides about governance, national direction, and political identity.
According to him, “Senator Kwankwaso felt that because of his political standing and ideology, it would be very difficult for him to convince his followers and admirers that after all the political parties in Nigeria today, he will align with ADC, especially when their thinking about governance and the economic well-being of Nigerians does not align with his own principles and long-held political beliefs.” He stressed that this ideological gap ultimately made continued collaboration within the same political framework unsustainable.
Olayoku further explained that the divergence became more pronounced following earlier defections within the party, particularly at the state level, where some leaders opted for alliances that did not align with Kwankwaso’s vision, thereby deepening internal tensions and accelerating the eventual split.
He noted that these earlier developments served as clear indicators of the structural strain within the party.
In his words, “Don’t forget that sometimes in December or January, our governor defected, and that matter was already on ground, but the real issue was not about defection itself, it was about where do we go to as a political party, and that became the major point of disagreement between the leader and some other stakeholders within the party who had different priorities and calculations.” This, he said, marked the beginning of a more visible fragmentation within the party’s leadership.
He added that while some members were eager to align with the ruling party for perceived political advantage and protection, Kwankwaso resisted such moves, choosing instead to maintain a distinct ideological identity that he believed would resonate more strongly with his support base. This resistance, according to Olayoku, further widened the gap between him and other stakeholders.
“His followers were in a hurry because of certain factors which we may not be able to disclose on air, and they felt that if they go to ADC, that is where their interests will be well protected, but Kwankwaso himself had a different perspective based on his political philosophy and what he believes governance should represent in a democratic system,” he stated, highlighting the complexity of the decision-making process within the party.
Describing the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Olayoku noted that it remains a highly centralized political structure built around Kwankwaso’s personal influence, long-standing political networks, and grassroots mobilization capacity, making it one of the most formidable political blocs within Nigeria’s opposition space. He emphasized that the movement’s loyalty is primarily to Kwankwaso rather than the party itself.
“When I say his boys, I mean his followers, because anywhere he goes, they go, as he is their general and has been nurturing that movement for over a decade, which means that his exit will naturally lead to the movement following him to wherever he decides to go,” he said, suggesting that the NNPP may experience a significant shift in its support base in the aftermath of the defection.
Despite these concerns, Olayoku maintained that the NNPP remains structurally intact and capable of rebuilding its political strength, stressing that the party’s existence predates Kwankwaso’s involvement and is not dependent on any single individual for survival. He reiterated the party’s historical resilience and institutional foundation.
“NNPP has been on ground for more than 20 years, since 2002, and although Kwankwaso came in 2022 and helped to elevate the party to national prominence, that does not mean that the party cannot continue to exist and even grow beyond where it is today,” he stated, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to adapt to changing political realities.
He acknowledged, however, that Kwankwaso’s contributions were instrumental in transforming the party’s electoral fortunes, particularly during the 2023 general elections, where the NNPP recorded unprecedented successes across multiple levels of government. These achievements, he noted, remain a significant part of the party’s legacy.
“With his coming, for the first time in the history of NNPP, we produced a governor, a deputy governor, a speaker of the House of Assembly, two senators, and about 19 members of the House of Representatives, which clearly shows the impact he had on the party’s growth and national visibility,” he said, underscoring the scale of transformation achieved during that period.
Olayoku added that the party’s newfound visibility would continue to attract new members and political actors, even in the absence of Kwankwaso, as political participation remains fluid and driven by opportunity as much as ideology. He expressed optimism about the party’s future trajectory.
“ The beauty of a political party is that it is based on voluntary entry and voluntary exit, and now that NNPP has become well-known across the country, there is every likelihood that new people will come in and contribute to its growth and development in the years ahead,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, on Monday, NNPP National Publicity Party, Ladipo Johnson, an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, ahead of the 2027 general polls, says the party would be in alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the presidential election.
He disclosed that despite the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the party, the NNPP would still participate in the next general elections.
