2027 Politics: Kwankwaso Turns Down APC Sets Clear Terms for Any Defection

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The 2027 general elections are shaping up to be a decisive moment in Nigerian politics, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has made his stance clear: he will not switch to another political party unless he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Speaking to a gathering of NNPP supporters at his Kano residence on Wednesday, Kwankwaso emphasised that his more than four decades in politics do not permit him to accept vague or disrespectful arrangements. He noted that political engagements must acknowledge the significant influence he holds across the country.

Kwankwaso revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had approached him regarding a potential defection, but he criticised the party for failing to provide a clear, meaningful proposal that respected both his role and the position of NNPP leaders.

“They invited us, but our questions were simple: what exactly is being offered? Which role suits me? Which positions reflect the dignity of our national chairman and executives?” he explained. “None of these questions received satisfactory answers.”

The NNPP leader made it clear that his supporters nationwide will only consider any political realignment that guarantees him one of the top two positions in the 2027 elections. He stressed that accepting anything less would amount to disrespect after decades of grassroots mobilisation and national engagement.

“After years of effort and building political relevance from the ground up, we cannot settle for less,” Kwankwaso said.

He reiterated the NNPP’s dedication to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, which he described as a platform aimed at empowering the poor, creating jobs, expanding educational access, improving healthcare services, and enhancing agricultural productivity. “Some may think this is about keeping options open, but our focus is national. Kano must stay united to secure victory again,” he added.

Reaction to Reports on Governor Yusuf

Kwankwaso also addressed recent reports suggesting that Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is considering a move to the APC. He described the situation as a “painful betrayal” of the collective sacrifices made by the party.

Expressing both shock and disappointment, Kwankwaso said he was neither consulted nor given any explanation regarding the alleged defection. “We trusted that everyone understood the struggle. Betrayal was not expected,” he noted.

He warned that such a move could undermine years of political effort aimed at reclaiming Kano from the APC. “The most painful part is that after everything we did to take Kano back from Ganduje and the APC, the governorship seems to be handed over without resistance,” Kwankwaso lamented.

Despite the tension, he called for calm among supporters, urging them to approach the situation with patience, spiritual reflection, and personal dialogue. “Keep praying, and if you are in contact with them, encourage them to reconsider,” he appealed.

Kwankwaso’s statements come amid heightened political manoeuvring, as parties across Nigeria prepare for the pivotal 2027 elections.