NNPP national leader Rabiu Kwankwaso has set firm conditions for any political merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said such an alliance must offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential slot.
Kwankwaso spoke while addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence in Kano over the weekend. He stressed that the NNPP would not enter any merger without clear and beneficial terms.
Kwankwaso rules out APC defection
During the meeting, Kwankwaso dismissed reports linking him to plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress. He denied having any agreement with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to leave the NNPP.
“I am not party to it, and I am not in support of the purported move to defect from the party,” Kwankwaso said.
However, he added that the party would move on if individuals insist on leaving. He said political movements survive defections.
Kwankwaso warns against political betrayal
Kwankwaso criticised those encouraging the governor to defect. He said they should have advised him to resign before joining another party. He described defection with an electoral mandate as deeply painful. According to him, handing over a hard-earned victory to a rival amounts to political betrayal.
He urged party members to persuade those involved to rethink their plans. He said the NNPP remains strong in Kano.
NNPP plans expansion ahead of 2027
Kwankwaso said the Federal Government and the APC had reached out to him in the past. However, he said talks failed due to a lack of clear offers.
“At the national level, our hope is to merge with others,” he said. “But those who will agree that I, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, become the number one or the number two.” He added that the 2027 elections would be a contest between the masses and the political elite. He said holding power does not always guarantee victory at the polls.
