The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s claim that the North is being marginalised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging Northern youths to disregard what it described as falsehood.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 27, in Lagos, the party’s National Secretary, Dr Olaposi Ogini, accused Kwankwaso of making divisive statements to stir tension in the country.
“The NNPP views the recent unprovoked outburst by Kwankwaso, alleging marginalisation of the North under the administration of Tinubu with great concern,” the statement read.
Ogini said it was “very sad” that a former senator, ex-minister, and former governor would make such “unfounded allegations” at a time when Nigeria is grappling with serious challenges.
“We sincerely think that the allegations should not be treated with kid gloves but that Kwankwaso should be made to validate his claims,” he added.
The party noted that this was not the first time Kwankwaso, who was its 2023 presidential candidate, had made misleading remarks. It said this behaviour contributed to his eventual expulsion from the party.
“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 party said.
With the 2027 elections drawing near, the NNPP warned that more politicians could attempt to manipulate the public with falsehoods.
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“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,” Ogini stated.
The party described Kwankwaso’s allegations as an attempt to deceive the North and incite division, stressing that the Federal Government has, in fact, prioritised road projects in the region.
“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,” the statement said.
The NNPP called on Northern youths to verify the facts and evaluate Kwankwaso’s own performance during his time in public office.
“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 advised.
Kwankwaso had recently accused the Federal Government of neglecting the North in its infrastructural development, particularly road construction.
However, both the Presidency and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, have debunked the claims. Umahi, in a statement on Saturday, stated that the North currently has the highest number of ongoing projects in the country.