Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), has said he will only align with another political party ahead of the 2027 general elections if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Kwankwaso made the statement while speaking to members of the Kwankwasiyya movement at his residence on Miller Road in Kano. The former Kano State governor spoke against the backdrop of growing political talks and expected realignments as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 polls.
“At the national level, we are looking for a political party to align with,” Kwankwaso said. “But it must be a party that will offer me either the presidential ticket or the vice-presidential slot.”
His comments come amid reports suggesting that the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, may be considering a move from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso dismissed such claims, describing them as unrealistic and saying the idea exists only in the imagination of those spreading it.
The former defence minister also spoke on the wider political climate under President Bola Tinubu. He argued that having large numbers within a party does not automatically guarantee victory at the polls, stressing that elections are decided by credibility, public trust, and performance.
Kwankwaso noted that Nigerians are becoming more politically aware and are paying closer attention to leadership records rather than party size alone. He added that political movements and alliances ahead of 2027 must reflect the wishes of the people if they are to succeed.
His remarks have further fueled national debate about possible coalitions and shifts within Nigeria’s political space as parties and key figures position themselves for the next general elections, scheduled for 2027.
The statement was made public on Friday, January 9, 2026.