Politics

I’ll Only Defect for Presidential or VP Ticket — Kwankwaso Declares

Published by admin on January 5th, 2026.

I’ll Only Defect for Presidential or VP Ticket — Kwankwaso Declares

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has confirmed ongoing talks among opposition figures aimed at forming a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Hausa at his residence in Kano on Saturday, Kwankwaso addressed supporters amid growing speculation over a possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and other NNPP officials to the APC. He disclosed that discussions are taking place at the national level to unite opposition forces but stressed that his participation comes with a clear condition.

“Negotiations are ongoing to form a strong opposition alliance,” Kwankwaso said to loud applause. “However, I have made my position clear: I will only be part of any coalition that presents me as either the presidential or vice-presidential candidate.”

Political observers interpret his remarks as a signal of possible alignment with prominent opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi—potentially under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, Kwankwaso’s insistence on securing a top spot on the ticket could complicate coalition talks, as Atiku, Obi, and former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi are also believed to have presidential ambitions within the ADC platform.

On the rumoured defection of Governor Yusuf to the APC, Kwankwaso appealed to those contemplating such a move to reconsider. Without mentioning the governor directly, he warned that defecting would amount to political regression and described it as worse than the actions of his longtime rival and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

“We pray they do not go to the APC,” he said. “But if they insist, the governor should first step down. The mandate belongs to the people and the collective, not to any single individual.”

Kwankwaso also revealed that he had previously received offers to join the APC but rejected them, stating that they did not adequately reflect the sacrifices made by him and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, many of whom endured intimidation and violence during past political struggles.

He dismissed suggestions that the NNPP lacks the strength to compete in 2027, citing the party’s successful congresses and recent electoral gains. He accused political opponents of attempting to hijack the party’s electoral victories and structures for the benefit of the APC.

“What hurts the most is the attempt to return our hard-earned mandate to Ganduje,” he said, urging supporters to remain loyal and warning that betrayal of the Kwankwasiyya movement would ultimately fail.

Kano politics over the past decade has been shaped by the intense rivalry between Kwankwaso and Ganduje. Governor Yusuf emerged victorious in the last election on the NNPP platform, backed by the Kwankwasiyya movement, with a mandate widely seen as a rejection of Ganduje’s political influence.

A defection by Governor Yusuf to the APC would place him in the same political camp as Ganduje, now a prominent figure in the ruling party—an outcome Kwankwaso considers a complete betrayal of their shared political journey.

Efforts to reach Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, for comments on the claims were unsuccessful as of Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, political tension continues to build in Kano following reports of a growing rift between Governor Yusuf and Kwankwaso. Sources suggest the governor may be seeking greater political independence and access to federal backing ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NNPP currently controls only Kano State. Should the governor, lawmakers, and key officials defect to the APC, the party risks losing its sole governing stronghold—potentially weakening Kwankwaso’s influence as he positions himself for the 2027 presidential contest.