January 9, 2026 l Reporter: Johnson
ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Friday outlined firm conditions for any political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, signalling a high-stakes negotiation atmosphere in Nigeria’s evolving electoral landscape.
Addressing supporters at a gathering of his Kwankwasiyya movement at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Kwankwaso said he is only prepared to consider alignment with a political party that offers him either the presidential nomination or the vice-presidential slot.
“At the national level, we are looking for a political party to align with,” Kwankwaso told the assembled crowd. “But it must be a party that will offer me either the presidential ticket or the vice-presidential slot.
His remarks confirm long-speculated political repositioning as parties jockey for influence ahead of the election. They come amid ongoing reports of political realignment that include speculative movements by key figures such as Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf — although Kwankwaso dismissed rumours of Yusuf’s defection from the NNPP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unrealistic.
Kwankwaso also criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership style and the APC’s numerical dominance in Nigeria’s federal structure, arguing that having a large number of governors aligned with a party does not automatically translate to electoral success. According to him, credibility, popular support, and performance remain the key determinants of winning elections.
“We don’t just count numbers; we count credibility,” he said, reinforcing his broader tactical approach to coalition building.
Political analysts say Kwankwaso’s stance reflects his continued ambition to be a central figure in Nigeria’s next presidential contest, and his leverage of grassroots support particularly in Northern states could reshape the opposition’s electoral strategies. Independent political observers have emphasised that any alliance with a figure like Kwankwaso will hinge on careful negotiation over roles and influence.
The NNPP leader’s comments come as multiple parties are navigating complex negotiations over the 2027 polls, with opposition camp activities intensifying and defections and alliance rumours circulating in major political circles.
As Nigerians prepare for a highly competitive election cycle, Kwankwaso’s declaration adds fresh momentum to discussions around coalition dynamics and power-sharing agreements among the nation’s political elites.