Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP, in the 2023 general elections, has expressed readiness to form strategic alliances with opposition figures such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party and other like-minded politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence and two-term Governor of Kano State, disclosed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he predicted that the 2027 polls would be among Nigeria’s toughest elections yet.
“The 2027 elections will be a tough one,” he said, adding that his party was open to partnerships that align with its principles of serving the common man.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the NNPP, the influential northern politician did not completely rule out the possibility of working with the ruling All Progressives Congress if the terms of such collaboration would benefit his party and its supporters.
“If you are asking us to join the APC, you must tell us what the NNPP will gain,” he stated. “We have candidates in every state and a strong structure nationwide. What will you offer them if we join the party?”
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Kwankwaso has in recent months been linked to behind-the-scenes political realignments, including reports suggesting that President Bola Tinubu might consider him for a vice-presidential role in 2027 a claim neither the Presidency nor the NNPP has confirmed.
He clarified, however, that any form of alliance must be guided by integrity, competence, and shared commitment to national development.
“We’re ready for anyone APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. What matters is competence, integrity, and genuine concern for the masses,” he said.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission the 2023 election saw 13.7 million votes cast in the North and 9 million in the South, with Kwankwaso securing 1.45 million votes, mostly from the North. Despite his relatively low national vote share, the NNPP won the Kano State governorship election, underscoring his continued political influence in the region.
Kwankwaso criticised the current administration’s handling of insecurity, accusing government officials of neglecting the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
“Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna. The victims are ordinary citizens, while the elite live in luxury in Abuja,” he lamented.
He accused some lawmakers and ministers of prioritising wealth and luxury over service, saying, “They buy big houses and expensive cars, acting as if they are untouchable, but Allah will judge them.”
The former governor predicted that the 2027 elections would be more competitive and issue-based, as Nigerians have become more politically aware and less susceptible to vote-buying.
“People are now more informed, thanks to radio and social media,” Kwankwaso said. “This time, nobody will ask for money to vote. You will see new things happen — things that have never happened in Nigeria’s electoral history.”
He concluded by emphasizing that any coalition the NNPP enters into will be strictly based on shared values and a commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“Whoever we ally with must be dedicated to improving the lives of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we won’t continue with them,” he warned.
