The recent remarks by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, have cast uncertainty over rumored alliance talks with President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso’s critique and the NNPP’s response have dampened hopes of an All Progressives Congress (APC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) alliance, especially after the exit of Kwankwaso’s rival, Abdullahi Ganduje as APC National Chairman. …CONTINUE READING
As 2027 approaches, Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano remains a key factor, but his latest remarks suggest a widening rift with Tinubu’s camp.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ dialogue on constitutional amendments in Kano on Thursday, Kwankwaso accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting Northern Nigeria, claiming national resources are disproportionately allocated to the South, exacerbating poverty and insecurity in the North.
He highlighted the dire state of federal roads, describing a recent journey from Abuja to Kano via Kaduna as “hell” due to poor infrastructure.
The outburst followed reports of a closed-door meeting between Kwankwaso and Tinubu at Aso Rock on Monday, after Kwankwaso attended the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit. This was their second known meeting since June 2023, fueling speculation of a potential political coalition. However, sources close to both leaders, cited by Politics Nigeria, denied any recent political discussions, insisting Kwankwaso’s visit was solely for the summit.
The Presidency swiftly countered Kwankwaso’s claims. Special Adviser Sunday Dare, via X, listed over 40 ongoing Northern projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway and agricultural initiatives, to refute allegations of neglect.
The NNPP also distanced itself from Kwankwaso’s remarks, with its National Publicity Secretary, Olaposi Oginni, apologizing to Tinubu, noting Kwankwaso’s expulsion from the party and clarifying that his views do not represent the NNPP.
