2027: Kwankwaso Rejects APC Offer, Gives Condition For Defection

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would only consider defecting to another political party if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso also condemned the reported plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as an act of betrayal.

Speaking to NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano on Wednesday, the former Kano State governor said his political journey of over four decades would not allow him to move to another party without a concrete and dignifying offer.

According to him, although the APC reached out to him to join the party, he turned down the invitation because it lacked clarity and tangible benefits for him and his political structure.

“We told them that we agree to go with you, but what will you give me? 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?” Kwankwaso asked.

“They didn’t answer any of it,” he added.

Kwankwaso stressed that his supporters across the country would only support a defection that guarantees him one of the top two positions in the 2027 election.

He noted that anything short of that would amount to political humiliation after decades of grassroots mobilisation and national relevance.

The former senator reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to its political ideology, Kwankwasiyya, which he said focuses on lifting the poor and empowering the youth.

According to him, the ideology prioritises job creation, access to education, economic prosperity, improved healthcare, and agricultural development.

“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, and Kano State must be united so we can win again in the next elections,” he said.

Kwankwaso Slams Gov Yusuf Over APC Move

Reacting to reports that Governor Yusuf plans to defect to the APC, Kwankwaso said he was shocked and deeply disappointed by the development.

He accused the governor of failing to consult him or offer any clear justification for the decision.

“This is a lesson to all of us. We thought everyone had understood. We never expected betrayal,” Kwankwaso said.

The NNPP leader lamented that after the struggle to reclaim Kano from the APC, Yusuf’s alleged defection would undo years of political effort.

“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 stated.

Kwankwaso urged his supporters to remain calm and prayerful, rather than resort to confrontation.

“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 remarks come amid growing political realignments as parties begin early manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.