NNPP won’t repeat Kwankwaso mistake in 2027 presidential choice — Aniebonam

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is preparing to overhaul its presidential nomination process for the 2027 general election, vowing not to repeat what its founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, described as the "mistake" of automatically awarding the ticket in 2023.

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We are not going to repeat the mistake we made in 2023. Our final presidential candidate will not get an automatic ticket. Every aspirant will be subjected to proper screening to determine competitiveness and loyalty to the party.

Aniebonam announced that the party's presidential candidate for 2027 will emerge through a thorough screening, designed to evaluate not only competence and loyalty but also electoral viability. He revealed that three potential aspirants have been identified and will undergo this rigorous assessment before a final candidate is chosen. This strategic shift follows the submission of a placeholder presidential candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to meet electoral requirements.

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We had a lot of delays due to litigation aimed at stopping Kwankwaso from hijacking the NNPP. The internal crisis also led to the defection of some members to other political parties.

Reflecting on the party's performance and subsequent challenges after the 2023 elections, Aniebonam attributed some setbacks to prolonged legal disputes and internal disagreements involving the party's former candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his supporters. He stated that these internal crises caused delays in party preparations and led to the defection of some members.

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Our ticket is reasonable and responsible. Female aspirants and persons with disabilities will enjoy concessions. We also remain open to discussions and agreements with political parties that share our ideology.

Looking ahead, the NNPP's National Executive Committee (NEC) is scheduled to meet to finalize the timetable for its national convention, discuss concessions for certain aspirant categories, and potentially approve legal action against INEC for alleged non-compliance with court orders. Aniebonam also extended an appeal for former members to return, promising a transparent process and equal opportunities. He notably stated, "We are grateful to God that he did not succeed in hijacking our party. He betrayed us and we left him to God."

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We are grateful to God that he did not succeed in hijacking our party. He betrayed us and we left him to God.