The national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has stated that he would only consider leaving his party if he is guaranteed either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso also condemned the reported plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal of trust.
Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the recent defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could trigger internal rivalry among the party’s top presidential hopefuls and possibly push the party into crisis.
Following Obi’s formal entry into the ADC last week, he is expected to contest the party’s presidential ticket alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Although it remains uncertain whether former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, will also seek the ticket, there are growing signs that Kwankwaso, who harbours presidential ambitions, may also be considering joining the ADC.
Kwankwaso, who flew the NNPP presidential flag in the 2023 election, reiterated that he would not defect to any political party unless he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential slot. Speaking to NNPP supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano, the former governor said his political journey of over 40 years places him in a position to demand such consideration.
He noted that his nationwide support base would only permit him to engage in negotiations that involve the top two positions on the ballot.
Kwankwaso disclosed that the APC leadership had previously invited him to join the party, but he turned down the offer because it lacked concrete benefits for him and his supporters. He explained that the Kwankwasiyya movement prioritises poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, job creation, quality education, economic growth, healthcare development, and agricultural advancement.
Reacting to Governor Yusuf’s alleged plan to join the APC, Kwankwaso said he was neither consulted nor given any convincing justification for the move. He described the development as shocking to the NNPP leadership and supporters.
“This is a painful lesson for all of us. We never imagined such betrayal,” he said, adding that the effort to reclaim Kano State from the APC had now been undone.
Kwankwaso further revealed that the planned defection had earlier been scheduled for Monday but had reportedly been postponed. He urged supporters to pray for those involved and advised anyone in contact with them to discourage the move.
ADC SPEAKS ON PRESIDENTIAL TICKET
As political heavyweights such as Atiku, Kwankwaso, and Obi prepare for another showdown in 2027, Rotimi Amaechi—who previously contested the APC presidential primary against President Bola Tinubu—has also declared interest in the race. All the aspirants have reportedly ruled out stepping down for a consensus candidate.
THISDAY gathered that the rigid positions of these contenders could destabilise the ADC. The situation is further complicated by ongoing court cases filed by former ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachukwu and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, challenging the leadership of the party under former Senate President David Mark.
However, the ADC has clarified that its presidential candidate will only emerge through a presidential convention, insisting that no aspirant would be favoured.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the upcoming national convention is meant to elect party executives and ratify previous decisions, not to choose a presidential flag bearer.
He added that the David Mark-led leadership remains the only faction recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that Kachukwu was expelled before the current National Working Committee assumed office.
Abdullahi dismissed claims of factional leadership, noting that INEC officially communicates only with the Mark-led executive and has been invited to monitor the party’s state congresses and national convention.
