The founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Boniface Aniebonam, has expressed his disappointment over what he perceives as an attempt by Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to take control of the party’s structure, labeling it as a betrayal of trust.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Aniebonam stated that he had provided Kwankwaso with the platform of the NNPP to fulfill his political aspirations of becoming Nigeria’s president, presenting it to him “on a platter of gold.”
Aniebonam recounted the history of NNPP, highlighting his solitary efforts in registering and nurturing the party from 2002 until 2022. He revealed that it was at this point that Kwankwaso and his team approached him, seeking to use NNPP as a vehicle for Kwankwaso’s presidential bid in the 2023 elections.
He recalled the pivotal meeting where Buba Galadima, Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi, and Prof. Sam Angai, led by Kwankwaso, visited his country home in Anambra to appeal for Kwankwaso’s acceptance into NNPP. Following discussions and an evaluation of Kwankwaso’s intentions for Nigeria, Aniebonam offered him the platform of NNPP as its sole candidate.
Aniebonam emphasized that NNPP was founded after his establishment of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), making NAGAFF the parent body of NNPP. He noted that Kwankwaso and others were expelled from NNPP due to anti-party activities, but as a life member of the board with inherent powers, he could consider pardoning Kwankwaso if he rectified his actions.
Aniebonam however made it clear that even if Kwankwaso were to be pardoned, he would no longer enjoy the status of the sole candidate of NNPP, given the recent developments and the alleged attempt to hijack the party’s structure.
The statement by Aniebonam underscores the internal strife within NNPP and the complexities of political alliances and ambitions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
