The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticized former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for prematurely revealing details about ongoing opposition coalition talks.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Tuesday, NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson said El-Rufai “moved too quickly” by going public with sensitive political strategies, which he believes should have been finalized privately before being disclosed.
“If I said we are not talking to anyone, that would be a lie,” Johnson admitted. “The problem now is El-Rufai moved too quickly and started talking too quickly.”
Johnson emphasized the importance of strategic timing when opposing a sitting government, suggesting that early revelations could give the ruling party an advantage.
“When you show your cards too early, it becomes easier for them to target and dismantle your plans,” he explained.
He also hinted that NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be in conversations not just with the opposition coalition, but also with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political factions.
“Kwankwaso is fully aware of Nigeria’s political climate. Every move he makes is based on principle, not personal gain,” Johnson said.
The NNPP spokesman further claimed that President Bola Tinubu would likely prefer working with Kwankwaso over APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
“If you were Tinubu, would you choose Ganduje over Kwankwaso? What does Ganduje bring to the table?” he asked rhetorically, underscoring Kwankwaso’s history of moving on from parties he feels have deviated from their core values.
Johnson concluded that the opposition landscape remains fluid, with multiple parties and movements exploring alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
