Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has issued a no-nonsense warning ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that he will only defect to another party if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.
Speaking to supporters at his Kano residence on Wednesday, the former governor said his decades-long political journey and loyal following across the country would not accept any defection that does not secure him one of the top two positions.
Kwankwaso revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had reached out to him but said talks collapsed because there was no serious or beneficial offer on the table.
“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? They didn’t answer any of it,” he said.
He restated the NNPP’s loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, describing it as a movement committed to uplifting the poor and empowering youths through education, employment, economic growth, healthcare, and agriculture.
Kwankwaso dismissed claims that the party was merely weighing multiple political options, insisting that unity in Kano had now become a national imperative ahead of future elections.
“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.
He also took a swipe at Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, over reports of his planned defection to the APC, describing the move as shocking and deeply painful.
Kwankwaso said the governor neither consulted him nor gave any explanation before allegedly taking the decision.
“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,” he said.
Urging calm among his supporters, Kwankwaso advised restraint rather than 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.”
