NNPP Slams El-Rufai Over Opposition Coalition

The spokesman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has criticized former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for speaking too hastily about the opposition coalition.

Johnson said it would have been more strategic to finalize coalition arrangements before making them public.

Appearing on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Johnson also hinted that the NNPP’s National Leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, might be in discussions with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as with other opposition parties and coalition movements.

“If I said that we are not talking to anyone, that would be a lie. The whole problem we have now is because of El-Rufai, who moved too quickly and started talking too quickly,” Johnson remarked.

He emphasized that premature disclosure of plans weakens opposition strategy. “When you have a sitting government and you think you want to take them on, there are certain things you have to leave to the last possible moment. When you come out to show your cards, it makes it easier for them to pick you out and stop you.”

Johnson explained that dialogues are ongoing among various political groups. “The various groups and movements in this country are all talking with each other. I have people who talk to me in my own little way and I’m sure Kwankwaso will be considering all sorts,” he stated.

He stressed that Kwankwaso’s political decisions are guided by principle, not personal gain. “He’s not about stomach infrastructure. He moved from the ruling PDP when they were disheartened to form the APC, and when the APC got into government, he moved out again. It’s about principles for him. Whether you like him or not, he is a principled person.”

Johnson also claimed that President Bola Tinubu would choose Kwankwaso over APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, if given the choice. “If you were in Tinubu’s shoes, would you take Kwankwaso to Ganduje? What does Ganduje bring to the table?”