NNPP shelves presidential ticket, eyes opposition alliance

The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) has announced it will not field a presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general election. Instead, the party intends to explore potential alliances with other political parties, contingent on the emergence of a credible and widely acceptable candidate from the opposition.

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For now, this is the last day for the submission of anything that has to do with the selection of candidates by the INEC guidelines. We are not going to have any presidential candidate in our party, but we are open to an alliance.

NNPP National Chairman Bala Yusuf revealed this strategy at the party's 11th National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja. He emphasized that the party is keeping its options open and will evaluate candidates presented by other political groups before making a final decision on joining forces. "For now, this is the last day for the submission of anything that has to do with the selection of candidates by the INEC guidelines. We are not going to have any presidential candidate in our party, but we are open to an alliance," Yusuf stated.

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It's not for us to have a presidential candidate that matters. Nigeria is in a very difficult situation. We need to see if other parties will bring out a very good, credible and well-focused presidential candidate.

He further explained that the party's focus is on Nigeria's difficult situation and the need for a strong, unified opposition. "It's not for us to have a presidential candidate that matters. Nigeria is in a very difficult situation. We need to see if other parties will bring out a very good, credible and well-focused presidential candidate," he added. Yusuf rejected speculation about pre-existing pacts with parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that no agreements have been made.

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No, we don’t have any presidential candidates. We want to see what other parties are producing as their authentic presidential candidate. Then we’ll work towards that.

The party's National Secretary, Dipo Olayoku, acknowledged that the NNPP has faced significant challenges due to mass defections, which have depleted its ranks. Notable exits include former National Leader Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, and numerous other elected officials and appointees. This strategic shift by the NNPP signals a move towards consolidation within the opposition landscape as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.

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Well, that is some people’s belief. But we as a party are taking this stance because I think there are over 20 political parties that are registered under INEC. And all of us cannot field candidates just for the sake of it.