Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party will closely monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on the conduct of the electoral body.

Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday in Abuja while addressing delegates at the NNPP national convention, shortly after newly re-elected party executives were sworn into office.

The event was attended by INEC representatives, party leaders, and delegates drawn from across the country.

Speaking at the convention, the NNPP national leader congratulated INEC on the appointment of its new national chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, noting that public trust in the electoral process is shaped by the commission’s transparency and professionalism.

“I want to appreciate the INEC representatives here today and, through you, congratulate the newly appointed National Chairman of the commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan,” Kwankwaso said.

He emphasised that the NNPP would remain vigilant as preparations for the next general election begin, describing INEC’s role as decisive to the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.

“So far, so good. We are keeping our eyes on INEC because its responsibility is so critical that it can either strengthen or undermine democracy in this country,” he said. “We look forward to an even better working relationship between INEC and our party.”

Kwankwaso also assured party members that the NNPP leadership would continue efforts to expand and strengthen the party’s structure nationwide.

“I want to assure you that the leadership of NNPP at all levels will continue to do everything necessary to ensure the party grows from strength to strength,” he added, while also acknowledging the support of the Kano State governor to the party over the years.

The convention ratified key decisions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and elected members of the National Working Committee (NWC), as the NNPP steps up preparations for the 2027 general elections following its strong showing in the 2023 polls.