Isaac Samuel
Former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would only defect to another political party or coalition if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso made the declaration on Saturday while addressing supporters who paid him a visit at his residence in Kano.
According to him, discussions are ongoing at the national level regarding the formation of an opposition coalition, but he has made his position clear to those involved.
“At the national level, talks are ongoing to join an opposition coalition. We told them that we are willing to go with you, but what will you give me?” Kwankwaso said. “Appointments? How many? Which one among them will fit me and which one will I accept?”
He stressed that he had categorically informed those involved in the talks that he would only align with a coalition that considers him for either the presidential or vice-presidential slot.
The former governor added that his supporters across the country would only support any defection if it clearly guarantees him one of the two top positions in the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso also disclosed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had reached out to him to join the party, but said he rejected the overture due to the absence of what he described as a concrete offer that would benefit both him and his political base.
He also publicly rejected reports and calls suggesting that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was planning to defect to the APC.
The former governor said he was not in support of any planned defection by Kano State governor and distanced himself from such claims.
“I do not support this planned defection, and I want to thank you for supporting the Kwankwasiyya Movement,” Kwankwaso said. “I thought we have all learned a lesson from what happened with Ganduje, but now we are hearing all sorts of talks from different people.”
He urged his supporters to continue praying for the Kwankwasiyya Movement and called on anyone engaging Governor Yusuf or members of his administration on defection talks to stop forthwith.
“I want you to continue praying for them, and if anyone is speaking with them, tell them to put a stop to this,” he said. “If they continue on this path, there will come a time when people will say Ganduje’s betrayal was even better despite how rotten he is.”
Kwankwaso added that while he does not want members of the movement to leave the NNPP, the decision ultimately lies with individuals.
“On my part, I don’t want them to leave, but if they do, life moves on,” he said.
This marks the first time Kwankwaso has publicly reacted to speculation about possible defections involving the Kano State government officials.
Commenting on the broader political climate, the former governor expressed concern over the growing number of defections to the ruling party.
“About 30 governors have defected to the APC so far, and those remaining are under pressure to move as well,” Kwankwaso said. “This is a serious political problem because it gives the impression that election outcomes have already been decided.”
