Spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has dismissed claims of an internal crisis within the party, describing recent defections and factional statements as expected in Nigerian politics and part of a broader campaign to undermine the party’s credibility.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Johnson clarified that the party is not in turmoil despite the exit of some high-profile members, including Senator Ka’u Ismaila.

“We’re not in crisis. The fact that one senator and two or three members of the House of Reps left, or one more will leave, these things happen,” he said.

Reacting to insinuations that more defections may follow and that the party might be dissolved into the APC, Johnson emphasised that no such decision has been taken.

“Senator Kwankwaso hasn’t taken any decision. The party itself hasn’t taken any decision, as to whether they’re remaining, moving to the left, moving to the right, or whatever. We’re still working on it. It’s politics,” he said.

Addressing the departure of Senator Ka’u Ismaila, Johnson noted the role the Kwankwasiyya movement played in his political elevation.

“Ka’u Ismaila was in the APC. He got wronged during their primaries. He came over. And I think the Kwankwaso movement really helped him. He became senator. He’s gone back home, but we hope to see him again in 2027.”

Johnson also criticised those he described as “betrayers” — a term recently used by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to describe individuals who gained political ground through the NNPP but later defected.

“Just about two weeks ago, most of the supporters of Ka’u Ismaila met with Senator Kwankwaso in Kano and clearly stated their positions. That was where he [Kwankwaso] made the statement about betrayers — people getting elected and then leaving.”

Despite the defections, Johnson insisted that the party’s grassroots support remains solid, especially among youth and former beneficiaries of Kwankwaso’s social intervention programs.

“We have a lot of the younger ones coming in, those who have benefited from scholarships, et cetera, through the Kwankwaso times and recent times through Abba Yusuf. The Kwankwaso group and the NNPP are growing youth-wise.”

On the matter of party identity, Johnson confirmed that the NNPP had amended its constitution and changed its logo in April 2024. He criticised expelled members for still using outdated party symbols and structures to claim legitimacy.

“Dr. Anibunin and the members who were expelled still bandy around the old logo and say that is the logo. But it’s very clear on the INEC website where the NNPP lies at the moment.”

He accused certain expelled members and factional groups of acting as agents of the APC, leveraging every political dispute to create confusion and support ruling party positions.

“They are agents of the APC. At each stage — Supreme Court, emirate matters, local government elections — they supported what the APC was supporting.”

“So yes, we’re not in crisis, but we’re under attack.”

Responding to questions about Dr. Ogini Olakosi, who has issued public statements claiming to represent the NNPP, Johnson dismissed him as a friend-turned-outsider with no official standing.

“Ogini Olakosi is a friend. We were in the NNPP together before he was expelled. He now calls himself national secretary of some association that is not recognised by INEC.”

He similarly addressed the party’s relationship with one of its founders, Boniface Aniebonam, who has been linked to factional groups.

“He was one of the founders, we give it to him. But unfortunately, some things happened. They were suspended and expelled. It’s not about sentiments. It’s about the constitution. It’s the law.”

On the question of whether Senator Kwankwaso might consider joining the APC, Johnson said such decisions would depend on principle, not politics.

“Kwankwaso is very aware of the situations in the country. Each time he has moved, it was for a reason. He moved from the ruling PDP, joined to form the APC, and left again. It’s about principles for him.”

Reflecting on possible coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections, Johnson indicated that the NNPP is open to compromise, depending on how political realities evolve.

“The issues that were at play in 2023 might not be the issues at play in 2026, 2027. If you claim you want the best for Nigerians, then you must be willing to compromise when it gets to that stage.”

As the party prepares for its national conventions in 2026, Johnson maintained that the NNPP remains a viable political force.

“2025 to 2027 is a very long time in politics for a lot of things to happen.”

Boluwatife Enome

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