As the 2027 general elections approach, Kano State has become the epicenter of Nigeria’s political contest, with both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition fiercely competing for the state’s estimated 5.7 million votes. At the heart of this struggle is Rabiu Kwankwaso, the influential former governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Kwankwaso’s 2023 presidential bid under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) saw him amass 1,496,687 votes, with a remarkable 997,279 coming from Kano alone, outpacing the then-ruling APC in the state. This electoral performance has elevated his status as a pivotal figure for any party aiming for national victory.
With the main opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, weakened by internal crises, the APC and President Bola Tinubu appeared set for an easy win. However, the emergence of the ADC coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other political heavyweights, has altered the political calculus.
The ADC coalition, featuring figures like ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi, is rapidly gaining momentum and attracting influential politicians nationwide.
Political insiders confirm that both the APC and the ADC coalition are making concerted efforts to win over Kwankwaso and his supporters. Multiple sources within the NNPP have acknowledged ongoing negotiations, with Kwankwaso yet to declare his position, deepening the suspense.
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), and Babachir Lawal, a leader in the ADC coalition, both described Kwankwaso as a valuable asset. Lawal remarked, “It will be a big advantage if he joins us,” emphasizing the coalition’s eagerness to welcome him and his followers.
Lawal further explained that the ADC coalition is more focused on individuals than party structures, stating, “Even if Kwankwaso doesn’t join the ADC, quite a large number of some of his people will join us on an individual basis.”
In February, Kwankwaso held a closed-door meeting with Aregbesola in Lagos, believed to be part of the strategic moves ahead of 2027. NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima confirmed that both the APC and ADC have been courting Kwankwaso, who has yet to make a decision.
The recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman is seen as a strategic maneuver to smooth Kwankwaso’s potential entry into the APC, as part of President Tinubu’s plan to secure Kano’s votes.
A senior NNPP member revealed that talks with both the APC and ADC are ongoing, with Kwankwaso’s decision expected soon. “Because of his popularity among Nigerians, many political parties want Kwankwaso in their party,” the source stated.
APC’s Arodiogbu expressed confidence that Kwankwaso would choose the APC over the ADC coalition, dismissing the latter as a gathering of “internally displaced politicians” and warning that joining the ADC would diminish Kwankwaso’s political worth.
Among Kwankwaso’s supporters, there is growing unease over his prolonged silence on his 2027 plans, with some defecting to other parties. Close associates hope for clarity soon to stabilize their base.
Within the NNPP, internal divisions persist. The anti-Kwankwaso faction sees him as a political liability, while the pro-Kwankwaso group praises his leadership and remains committed to the party.
Okay.ng reports that the political chessboard in Kano remains dynamic, with Kwankwaso’s next move poised to significantly influence the 2027 election outcome.
