The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has explained why it did not feature on the ballot in Saturday’s Kano State House of Assembly by-elections, revealing that it withdrew its nomination to prevent its candidates from being disqualified by INEC.
Speaking exclusively with DAILY POST on Sunday, NNPP Publicity Secretary in Kano State, Engr. Ibrahim Karaye, disclosed that the party was actually the first to announce the individuals who eventually ran as APC candidates in the Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituency elections.
Coercion Allegations
Karaye explained that the party initially decided to support the children and families of the deceased lawmakers as a gesture of solidarity. However, the situation changed after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Fortunately, in the middle of all that, the governor defected to the ruling APC and they were confused and threatened by government agents, which forced them to align with the state government,” Karaye alleged.
He stated that the party reviewed the situation and concluded the candidates were coerced into abandoning NNPP to join APC. “We then resolved to still support them as our sole candidates,” he added.
Withdrawal to Avoid Disqualification
NNPP withdrew its nomination to avoid double nomination issues that could have led to disqualification by INEC. Major opposition parties including PDP and ADC were also absent from ballot papers.
The by-elections were conducted peacefully despite low voter turnout, with participating parties including Accord, APC, APN, APP, PRP, WPP and ZLP.
—
© 2026 CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Contact Us
