‘He’s our leader’ – NNPP pledges total loyalty as Kwankwaso nears APC deal

A major political realignment may soon reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as emerging reports indicate that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), is considering joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that high-level discussions are ongoing to facilitate Kwankwaso’s defection in order to strengthen the APC’s chances in the next general elections.

This development is expected to deal a significant blow to opposition parties, particularly in the northern region, where Kwankwaso commands massive grassroots support.

Reacting to the speculation, the Kano State Chairman of NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, declared that party members remain unconditionally loyal to their leader and will follow him wherever he decides to go politically.

“Kwankwaso is a big name in Nigerian politics. Apart from having millions of loyal supporters, no political figure in the North currently possesses his level of influence and capacity,” Dungurawa said.

He added, “If joining APC will be for the betterment of this country, then may Allah take him there. Nigeria is facing a leadership crisis at the moment, and Kwankwaso has proven records of competence. When he was Minister of Defence, he contributed to restoring peace in Sudan. As a former senator and governor, he performed excellently.”

“We are his blind followers. Wherever he takes us, we will follow him without hesitation. I remain his loyal supporter, and whatever he decides to do, I am always ready to say ‘yes Sir’,” he stated.

Recent social media speculations suggest that Kwankwaso may be considered as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 elections.

Although there has been no official confirmation, insiders indicate that the APC is determined to bring the NNPP leader into its fold to consolidate its dominance in the North.

In a related development, it was gathered that APC National Chairman and former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, resigned on Friday, allegedly to clear the path for Kwankwaso’s entry into the party. Party sources revealed that Ganduje strongly opposed Kwankwaso’s defection, vowing never to welcome his long-time political rival.

“It looks like they are sworn enemies. But Kwankwaso’s defection is very important to APC, especially for 2027. Ganduje had to step aside to avoid sabotaging the move,” a senior party official disclosed.

Many political analysts believe Ganduje’s tenure as APC National Chairman failed to strengthen the party’s hold on Kano State. Instead, internal crises and factional disputes weakened its structure, leading to poor performance in the 2023 elections.

Meanwhile, supporters of Kwankwaso, popularly known as the Kwankwasiyya Movement, have intensified prayers and mobilisation efforts in anticipation of his decision.

If Kwankwaso eventually defects, it would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political equation, potentially altering alliances and power calculations ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential election in 2027.