The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, has resigned his membership of the party amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Johnson announced his resignation in a letter dated May 4, 2026, which was made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.
The correspondence was addressed to the chairman of NNPP Ward G1 (Shitta/Ogunlana Ward) in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.
In the letter, the former NNPP spokesman said his resignation takes immediate effect, citing the need for a “broader national realignment of the opposition.”
“I am writing to formally resign my membership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), effective immediately,” he stated.
Johnson expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve at different levels, particularly as National Auditor and later National Publicity Secretary.
“It has been a distinct honour to serve our party at the highest levels. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed my quota to our collective vision, particularly during my tenure as the National Auditor and, more recently, as the National Publicity Secretary,” he wrote.
He also appreciated members of the National Working Committee for their support and camaraderie during his time in office.
“My time serving on the National Working Committee has been rewarding. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues on the NWC for their camaraderie and shared dedication,” he added.
Explaining the reason for his exit, Johnson said the prevailing political situation in the country requires opposition forces to unite.
“This decision stems from my conviction that the current political climate necessitates a broader national realignment of the opposition. I believe that at this juncture, my political journey must focus on fostering a more unified front to serve the overarching interests of our nation and its citizens,” the letter read.
Although Johnson did not disclose his next political destination, multiple sources within the NNPP told The PUNCH that he is expected to join former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other Kwankwasiyya leaders in the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
One of the sources said Johnson’s move was unsurprising, given his longstanding political relationship with Kwankwaso.
“He is obviously going to join Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima in the NDC. You know Ladipo has always been a great asset to Kwankwaso in the NNPP, particularly in terms of his wealth of experience as national publicity secretary.
“I heard there is an ongoing arrangement to bring him in to replicate the same publicity structure in the NDC or, at best, allow him to return to his base in Lagos to coordinate the party’s affairs in the South-West,” the source said.
The development comes barely days after former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Kwankwaso formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Abuja.
The two opposition leaders, who were received into the party on Sunday, urged members to avoid internal litigation and focus on building a united opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi had said their decision to join the NDC was informed by the need to build “a peaceful political platform devoid of internal crises.”
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