Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja/Kano — In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a respected veteran of Nigerian politics, has declared he will only consider entering into any political alliance or defection if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters and party stakeholders at his residence in Kano State over the weekend, Kwankwaso made his position unequivocally clear. He emphasised that discussions about potential political alignments are ongoing, but any serious negotiations must include a clear commitment that he will lead the ticket as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate. This stance, he said, reflects both his political stature and the expectations of his nationwide support base built over four decades in public service.
Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid widespread speculation about shifting allegiances and potential opposition coalitions in the run-up to the elections, with particular focus on discussions involving other major political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and influential presidential contender Peter Obi. There have been reports of talks towards a broader opposition realignment under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) banner, aimed at presenting a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Kwankwaso’s insistence on a top-ticket position could complicate these alliance efforts, given that several prominent figures are also seeking leading roles.
Kwankwaso, who served two terms as governor of Kano State and was a presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, described his conditions not as brinkmanship but as a necessary assertion of dignity and political relevance. He underscored that his support base, particularly the grassroots movement known as “Kwankwasiyya,” would not accept a compromise that relegates him or his movement to minor roles within allied political structures. “Our people across the country will only accept a defection if it guarantees me one of the top two positions in the 2027 election,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s statements also touched on recent approaches by the APC to woo him into their fold. He acknowledged that members of the ruling party had reached out with invitations to join their ranks but said he declined due to what he described as the “absence of a concrete offer” that would benefit him and his followers. According to the NNPP leader, propositions that do not include a clear path to the presidency or vice-presidency are politically insufficient and fail to respect the decades of political work he and his movement have undertaken.
Observers say the timing of Kwankwaso’s pronouncement is significant. With the political realignment phase of Nigeria’s electoral cycle gaining momentum, negotiations among opposition figures and parties have intensified. There is visible fluidity in party affiliations and alliance strategies, often influenced by regional dynamics, personal ambitions, and ideological considerations. Kwankwaso’s demand for a leading ticket spot has injected fresh urgency into these discussions, spotlighting the balancing act between coalition formation and individual political aspirations.
Amid the broader political shifts, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s reported plans to defect to the APC have drawn sharp criticism from Kwankwaso, who described the move as an act of betrayal. The NNPP leader lamented that years of joint political efforts to reclaim political space from opponents could be undermined by such defections, particularly when carried out without prior consultation. His reaction reflects deeper tensions within the NNPP and among opposition ranks, where strategic disagreements over party loyalty and power sharing have surfaced.
Political analysts say Kwankwaso’s firm stance could have mixed implications. On one hand, it signals determination and could strengthen his leverage in any alliance negotiation. On the other, it may narrow the pool of willing partners ready to cede top positions, particularly where other heavyweight contenders are also positioning for leadership roles. Achieving consensus on ticket leadership has historically been one of the most challenging aspects of coalition politics in Nigeria, where regional, ethnic, and party interests intertwine.
Within the NNPP, Kwankwasiyya supporters have rallied behind their leader, underscoring the movement’s commitment to maintaining a distinct political identity rather than being absorbed into larger parties without meaningful influence. The group’s ideological focus, centered on youth empowerment, economic inclusivity, and grassroots support, remains a central pillar of its appeal. Kwankwaso has repeatedly stressed that any potential alliance must align with these ideological commitments, beyond mere electoral convenience.
Meanwhile, national political discourse continues to evolve as major parties and independent actors assess their strategies. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), among others, are also engaged in internal deliberations about how best to position themselves for the impending elections, with some advocating for broad opposition unity to challenge the incumbency advantage of the ruling APC. Kwankwaso’s conditions, however, could reshape the calculus of such unity efforts, forcing stakeholders to confront difficult choices regarding leadership hierarchies and power distribution within coalitions.
Public reaction to Kwankwaso’s stance has been mixed. Supporters laud his resolve to secure a prominent place in the national political equation, viewing it as a reflection of self-respect and strategic foresight. Critics, however, argue that his demands may hinder the formation of a united front capable of mounting a serious challenge to the incumbent party, particularly if negotiations break down over leadership disagreements.
As the 2027 general election draws nearer, Nigeria’s political landscape remains fluid, with alliance talks, defections, and strategic repositioning dominating headlines. Kwankwaso’s conditions for engagement underscore the complexities of coalition politics in a competitive multi-party democracy, where individual ambitions and collective goals must be carefully balanced.
For now, the ball remains in the court of political actors willing to engage with Kwankwaso’s terms, as negotiations and horse-trading intensify behind the scenes. Whether his insistence on a top ticket position will yield concrete alliances or stall political rapprochement remains a central question in the unfolding drama of Nigeria’s electoral politics.
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