The New Nigeria Peoples Party has called on Northern youths to disregard allegations by its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that the Federal Government is marginalizing the region, describing the claims as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Dr. Olaposi Ogini, on Sunday in Lagos, the party strongly criticized Kwankwaso for making what it termed “reckless statements” capable of heating up the polity.
The NNPP described Kwankwaso’s assertion that the North was being shortchanged in road projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “far-fetched” and a deliberate attempt to stir unrest.
“The NNPP views the recent unprovoked outburst by Kwankwaso, alleging marginalization of the North under the administration of Tinubu with great concern,” the statement read.
“With the challenges bedeviling the country, it is very sad to see a former senator, an ex-minister, and ex-governor making such unfounded allegations, knowing that it may trigger unrest in an already disturbing situation.”
The party condemned Kwankwaso’s remarks, insisting that such comments from an elder statesman were unacceptable. It challenged him to provide evidence to back his claims, warning that unsubstantiated allegations could fuel unnecessary tension.
“We sincerely think that the allegations should not be treated with kid gloves but that Kwankwaso should be made to validate his claims,” the NNPP stated.
The party further accused Kwankwaso of being a serial provocateur, recalling that his past conduct had led to his expulsion from the NNPP.
“It was this sort of careless statements culminating in anti-party activities that led to Kwankwaso’s expulsion from the NNPP. Since his acceptance into our fold in 2023, Kwankwaso had caused the party unnecessary litigations, making unfounded statements on our behalf, even when no longer our member.”
The NNPP cautioned that as the 2027 elections approach, politicians like Kwankwaso might resort to spreading misinformation for political gain.
“At this stage in our polity, Nigerian politicians must learn to substantiate claims they make. There is nothing wrong in making statements, but when they are malicious and false, it gives room for worry.”
The party dismissed Kwankwaso’s allegations as entirely unfounded, citing available records that indicate the North has benefited more from federal road projects than the South under the current administration.
“The records available to us show that the Federal Government has even executed more road projects in the North than in the South. The projects and the facts are there for all Nigerians to see, so when a former senator (Kwankwaso) makes such far-fetched allegations, one begins to wonder what he intends to achieve.”
The NNPP urged Northern youths to scrutinize public records rather than take Kwankwaso’s claims at face value.
“The North must not be deceived by Kwankwaso’s antics and should investigate the allegations from public records of works done by the present administration.”
The party’s position aligns with earlier rebuttals from the Presidency and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who stated on Saturday that the North currently has the highest number of ongoing federal road projects in the country.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and two-time minister, has been vocal in his criticism of the Tinubu administration, but the NNPP insists his latest remarks are politically motivated and should be disregarded.
