Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso declared Sunday he would only defect from his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to another political outfit if guaranteed the presidential or vice-presidential nomination for the 2027 elections, amid speculation he might join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following Peter Obi’s recent switch.
The former Kano state governor and 2023 NNPP presidential contender addressed supporters at his home in the northern city, emphasizing his readiness to entertain offers given his four-decade career, but only for top roles that align with his base’s expectations.
“I am always ready to accept an offer from any political party given my political trajectory over the past four decades, and my supporters, spread across the country, would only allow me to consider offers for the presidential or vice-presidential ticket,” Kwankwaso said.
He revealed turning down an APC invitation due to insufficient benefits, underscoring his Kwankwasiyya movement’s focus on aiding the underprivileged through jobs, education, health, economy, and farming.
“According to our Kwankwasiyya political ideology, our top priority is to assist the poor and the youth by providing employment opportunities for Nigerians, improving educational standards, ensuring economic prosperity, enhancing the healthcare system, and boosting agriculture,” he added.
Kwankwaso lambasted Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s impending defection to the APC as a “betrayal,” noting it came without consultation and reversed efforts to wrest the state from former governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s grip.
“This is a lesson to all of us. We thought everyone had understood. We never expected betrayal. 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,” Kwankwaso stated.
He urged followers to pray for and dissuade those involved, after hearing the planned Monday switch was delayed.
“As you also heard, they were supposed to decamp on Monday. I also heard that it has now been postponed. We want to give you an assignment: continue praying for them. Secondly, if any of you are in contact with them, tell them to stop,” he said.
The comments surface as Obi’s ADC move pits him against Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi for the party’s 2027 ticket, with potential bids from Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai risking internal strife.
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi downplayed favoritism, affirming the presidential nominee would emerge from a convention without undue advantages.
“We are aware of the presidential interests of some members of the party; this one is not for the election of our presidential candidate. When we get to that bridge, we shall cross the bridge, but we have no preferred person,” Abdullahi said.57e235
He clarified upcoming February congresses aim to fill executive posts and ratify decisions by the David Mark-led team, not select candidates, amid legal challenges from expelled figures like Dumebi Kachukwu.
“Before we came on board, Dumebi Kachukwu and others were expelled. That someone was a presidential candidate for the party in the past does not make them a perpetual owner or leader of the party,” Abdullahi added, confirming INEC recognition of their faction.
