Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has said he would only consider defecting to another political party if offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano State governor also condemned the reported plan by Abba Yusuf, the NNPP governor of Kano, to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the move as a betrayal of the political struggle that returned the party to power in the state.
Kwankwaso made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing supporters at his residence in Kano, where he reflected on his long political career and the expectations of his nationwide support base.
Kwankwaso said that despite his over 40 years in politics, neither he nor his followers would accept a move to another party without a clear and dignified political offer.
He disclosed that the APC had reached out to him, but discussions failed because the party could not present a proposal that matched his political standing or that of NNPP leaders.
“We told them that we agree to go with you, but what will you give me?” he said.
“Appointments? How many? Which one among them will fit me, which I will accept? Which one will also fit the national chairman since the national chairman and his executives are important people with values? They didn’t answer any of it.”
Kwankwaso said his supporters across the country would only support a defection if it secured him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket in 2027, insisting that anything short of that would amount to political downgrading.
Commitment To Kwankwasiyya Ideology
The NNPP leader reiterated his commitment to the Kwankwasiyya political ideology, which he said remains focused on uplifting the poor and empowering young people.
He listed employment creation, access to education, economic prosperity, healthcare improvement, and agricultural development as the core pillars of the movement.
Kwankwaso dismissed suggestions that his political camp was merely positioning itself to keep multiple options open ahead of the next election cycle.
“Some are saying it’s just a plan to have options one, two, three, etc. We brought those options then, but this time it’s a national issue,” he said.
He stressed that unity within Kano State was critical if the NNPP hoped to retain power and remain competitive in future elections.
“Kano state must be united so we can win again in the next elections,” he added.
Anger Over Abba Yusuf’s Planned Defection
Kwankwaso expressed shock and disappointment over reports that Governor Abba Yusuf was planning to defect to the APC, saying the move came without consultation or justification.
He said Yusuf’s alleged decision undermined the sacrifices made to wrest control of Kano from the APC during the last election cycle.
“This is a lesson to all of us. We thought everyone had understood. We never expected betrayal,” he said.
Kwankwaso described the situation as particularly painful, given the political battle that returned the NNPP to power in the state.
“The most painful thing is that after everything we did to rescue Kano from Ganduje and the APC, you have now handed the governorship back to him free of charge,” he said.
Call For Calm And Reflection
Despite his sharp criticism, Kwankwaso urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid confrontation, calling instead for prayers and dialogue.
“We want to give you an assignment: continue praying for them,” he told supporters.
“Secondly, if any of you are in contact with them, tell them to stop.”
The remarks come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as major parties seek influential figures capable of mobilising large voter blocs.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most prominent political figures in northern Nigeria, with a loyal grassroots following that has shaped electoral outcomes in Kano and beyond.
As coalition talks and defections intensify, his insistence on only accepting a top-ticket role signals that he sees himself not as a bargaining chip, but as a central player in Nigeria’s next presidential contest.
Whether that stance strengthens his leverage or narrows his options remains a question Nigerian politics will soon answer.
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