Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that his party is open to alliances with other political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, who recently marked his 69th birthday, described the 2027 contest as one that would be “tough” and said NNPP was prepared to partner with any party, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), provided the terms favour the welfare of the people and his party’s nationwide structures.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the former governor of Kano State stressed that any proposed merger or alliance must spell out clear benefits for the NNPP.
“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” Kwankwaso asked.
The NNPP leader made the remarks while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside APC members from Kano’s 44 local government areas, at his Miller Road residence in Kano.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in recent months described Kwankwaso as a “friend and ally within the progressive fold,” after the two men reportedly held a series of private meetings over the past two years.
However, Kwankwaso maintained that his decision on political alliances would depend solely on shared ideals.
He said, “We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success. What we are looking for are competent leaders with integrity. The key thing is that whoever we ally with, be it the APC or another party, must be committed to the needs of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we would not continue with them.
“What we are asking for is that the common people should benefit, that the masses should be free, the youth educated and security improved. Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, parts of Kaduna, and other states. The victims are ordinary citizens, because the elites have fled to Abuja, where they are living in luxury. Some of them, like members of the House of Representatives, senators and ministers, have no concern other than enriching themselves, buying big houses, and flaunting expensive cars. They are appointed to positions and act as if they are untouchable, but I am confident that Allah will judge them accordingly.”
Kwankwaso argued that the forthcoming general elections in 2027 would be fiercely contested and much tougher, as Nigerians are now more involved, concerned, and better informed.
He added, “I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. Unlike before, people are now more involved and more concerned. Everyone is looking for a way out because of the country’s situation. Thanks to radio and social media, the masses are now informed. Everyone is trying to secure a better future for themselves, their families and their loved ones.
“This time, nobody would come on election day asking for money to cast their votes. You may probably see new things unfold; things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history.”
