BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – In a move touted to create political balancing and inclusion, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Professor Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, has decided to quit his exalted office for internal re-engineering within the party.
According to Prof Alkali, the resignation is a forward looking decision to reposition the NNPP for the 2027 presidential election through inclusiveness in its structures and outlook nationwide.
Already, the pubic space is awash with commentaries applauding the decision and alluding to the fact it was one political puzzle that the main opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to solve, thereby leading to its defeat at the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
In a letter of resignation dated Friday, March 31, 2023 and copied the NNPP’s National Leader and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Elder Chief Boniface Aniebonam, and BoT Secretary, Engr Buba Galadima, the former Chairman said his decision to step down as National Chairman will give room for the NNPP to elect a Southern replacement to take charge of the Party..
Prof Alkali is a Northerner, same as the Party’s National Leader, Kwankwanso, said to still have interest in gunning for the presidency come 2027 general election.
The letter personally signed by Prof Alkali read thus; “I am pleased to write and convey to you that I have stepped aside as the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with effect from today, Friday 31st March, 2023.
“Following keenly the events before, during and after the recent General elections held on 25th February and 18th March 2023, it is my humble view that our party, the NNPP, has a great future and potential to emerge as the leading political force that is capable of winning the Presidential and all other elections in 2027.
“To achieve this, we must think ahead and plan ahead. And the time is now. Our great party, the New Nigeria People’s Party will require major and fundamental structural and systemic changes and reorganization at all levels of the party in order to strengthen its base, improve its operational capabilities and generally enhance its competitive advantage over and above all the other 17 political parties on the INEC nominal roll.
“Since, we as a party, all believe in and aspire to bring in a better Nigeria though the astute leadership of our Leader, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, I believe, no sacrifice is too much from each and every one of us.
“I am convinced, this change must start from me. This is precisely why I have decided, with all sense of responsibility, to step aside from the office of the National Chairman of our party to give room for fresh hands to take over and build upon and improve on our modest contributions. I wish I had done more.
“By this letter, I also wish to inform our National Leader and Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and our entire members nationwide that I am still and will remain a bonafide member of our party and I pledge to serve and offer support to our Party at all levels to ensure the continued progress and advancement of our party.
“I wish to also extend my special appreciation to our National Leader Sen Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who in the last three years, offered me unique and rare opportunities to serve in various capacities from the formative stages of The National Movement (TNM) and after the merger between the TNM and the old NNPP was ultimately consummated. This rare privilege, I can not take for granted.
“I wish to therefore extend my special and sincere appreciation to our National Leader, His Excellency Sen Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Ph. D. FNSE, our amiable Vice Presidential Candidate Bishop Isaac Idahosa, our elder and Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) Chief Boniface Aniebonam, my Brother the Secretary of BOT, Elder Buba Galadima, members of the National Working Committee, our Gubernatorial and National and States Houses of Assembly Members and all our members nationwide for your goodwill, support and encouragement during my sojourn as National Chairman of our great party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).”
“All honour and glory belongs to God and God alone who makes everything possible. I Pray, May God Bless and Reward You All With His Bountiful Mercies and Blessings,” Prof Alkali stated.
Under his watch as the NNPP’s National Chairman, the party put up a strong showing to win the Kano State gubernatorial election, two senatorial seats and House of Representatives seats in the State, as well as numerous State House of Assembly seats.
