By OBSERVERS TIMES
As the political landscape shifts and the nation braces for the 2027 general elections, an investigation by OBSERVERS TIMES reveals that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) are actively engaging in strategic discussions, exploring pivotal alliances that could reshape the political terrain.
Our investigation, based on reliable sources within the NNPP, indicates that Kwankwaso and his party are determined to avoid contesting independently, a strategy they employed during the 2023 elections. Instead, they are meticulously evaluating the potential benefits of aligning with either the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or joining a coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other key political figures, including former Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
“What I can confirm is that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will not contest independently as they did in the 2023 elections,” a source close to the party’s leadership disclosed. “Considering the current political landscape, they are weighing the possibility of either joining President Tinubu’s APC or aligning with the coalition led by Atiku, el-Rufai, and others.”
This revelation comes at a crucial time, as whispers of early coalition talks and political maneuvering intensify ahead of the 2027 polls. The NNPP’s potential pivot could significantly impact the electoral dynamics, particularly in the northern region, where Kwankwaso commands a substantial following.
When contacted for confirmation, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged that such political considerations are indeed underway. In an exclusive interview with OBSERVERS TIMES, Johnson stated, “Well, so far, what I’ll say is this: in the NNPP, we tend to, at least from our own history as the Kwankwasiyya movement, wait till midterm. May 29th will be the midterm for this administration. It will be two years down, and two years to go. That is when we believe that proper politicking will commence.”
Johnson further elaborated, “So, yes, we are talking, and we’ve been talking. But you’ll recall that at that time, I told you I didn’t want to mention specifically the groups or persons or movements that are in conversation with us. That is still the position now.”
The NNPP spokesperson also addressed the numerous speculations surrounding Kwankwaso’s potential move to the APC, attributing them to political maneuvering. “You’ll recall that there have been many publications in newspapers and online, insinuating that Senator Kwankwaso is moving to the APC, that it is imminent and all that. That is just the nature of the game. Some people are pressing or pushing that narrative for their selfish reasons,” he said.
However, Johnson clarified that “the bottom line is that very soon, they will begin to hear from us. We will tell our supporters what we are doing. There are basically three cards on the table: either we remain in the NNPP and continue with those who joined us all the way or we form some sort of coalition with Atiku, others; or we form an alliance with the ruling party. I am not saying any of these is the case now. But these are the three basic options that could happen.”
This investigation by OBSERVERS TIMES highlights the intricate political chess game unfolding as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso’s strategic deliberations will undoubtedly be closely watched, as his decision could trigger a ripple effect across the political landscape, influencing coalition formations and electoral outcomes. The ongoing collation talks, as this paper has learned, are already taking shape, with key political figures actively engaging in behind the scene negotiations.
