The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the party Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso defected to after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its convention in Abuja on Wednesday and elected Prof. Rufai Alkali as its national chairman.
The party opted for consensus and therefore came up with thirty executive committee members unopposed.
Some of the executives supporting the National Chairman, Rufai Alkali (Gombe) are: Deputy National Chairman, Retired AVM John Ifemeje (Anambra); National Secretary, Dipo Olayoku (Ogun); National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna).
Others are Deputy National Secretary, Ahmed Ajuji, (Adamawa); National Treasurer; Sanin Malam (Bauchi); National Legal Adviser, Bem Angwe (Benue), among others.
Speaking after his emergence as national chairman of the party, Prof. Alkali said the establishment of the party was the beginning of the journey to a new dawn for Nigerians.
The National Chairman assured that NNPP would do its best to ensure the development of Nigeria to a higher level on every side.
“Nigerians are tired and are therefore looking for a better option, we are that new option and we shall do our best to ensure that everybody is carried along.
“However, you have to play your part by registering with INEC to get your voter cards and coming out to vote during elections,” he said.
In his speech at the convention, a former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, urged Nigerians, especially the youths, to join the NNPP to restore Nigeria and provide the fresh air desired by citizens.
Mr Kwankwaso said NNPP is well placed to restore the nation to its former glory and greater heights.
He called on youths to join the party where they would be guaranteed jobs, quality education without strike, among others.
He urged the youth to register with the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to get their voter cards and vote for the party in 2023.
Kwankwaso said that if this was done, all the present challenges being witnessed would be a forgone issue.
“This party is all about correcting the mistakes of the past and with your support we will achieve a better Nigeria.
“NNPP will soon be the number one force in the country.”
He also urged the party’s delegates to go back to their various states and local governments to mobilise people for NNPP.
“The nation has been experiencing low voter turnout in elections because people are tired of the existing parties.
“This NNPP is fresh air for Nigerians because citizens are looking for a new and better Nigeria since they are tired of the status quo”, he added.