Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has issued a strong challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the nation's escalating security crisis. The former Minister of Defence urged the Federal Government to be prepared to use military force to dislodge criminals from ungoverned spaces if ongoing negotiations with bandits prove unsuccessful.
A Direct Challenge to the Commander-in-Chief
Kwankwaso delivered this advice on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during the unveiling ceremony of the pioneer batch of the Kano State Neighborhood Watch. Expressing deep concern over continued criminal incursions, he stated that President Tinubu must rise to the occasion and truly act as the Commander-in-Chief. He insisted that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property, and failure in this area means the government has woefully failed.
The NNPP leader and 2023 presidential candidate pointedly questioned the political will of the current administration. While he expressed strong belief in the capability of the Nigerian military, which he described as one of the most gallant in Africa with a proven track record in international operations like Darfur and Liberia, he argued that the government is not providing the necessary support for them to succeed.
Call for Apology and a Million-Man Pledge
Kwankwaso was unequivocal in his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He demanded that the government apologise to Nigerians for its failure to end insecurity. Drawing from his experience as a former Defence Minister, he emphasized that the troops are courageous but require firm political backing to "do the needful."
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Kwankwaso made a significant pledge. He declared that should he become President, his administration would ensure the recruitment of over one million military personnel to bolster national security. This announcement comes as he positions his party for a decisive role in Nigeria's democratic future.
NNPP's Internal Reorganization and Convention
In a related development, Kwankwaso recently addressed party members in Abuja at the NNPP's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and National Convention. He highlighted that the party has successfully conducted rancour-free congresses at all levels—ward, local government, state, and zonal—a feat he described as a testament to the party's growing organisational strength and commitment to internal democracy.
He called on members to attend the convention and support the emergence of a new leadership that would steer the NNPP for the next four years. Discipline, unity, and democratic values remain the party's strongest assets as it prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.
