Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would only consider defecting to another political party if he is offered either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso stated this on Saturday while addressing supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at his residence in Kano, stressing that any decision to defect must reflect his political standing and the interests of his nationwide support base.
The former governor said his political structure, built over more than four decades, would not accept a move that does not guarantee him one of the top two positions in the 2027 elections.
“Despite my political journey spanning over four decades, our people across the country will only accept a defection if it guarantees the presidency or vice-presidency,” he said.
Kwankwaso disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had approached him to join the party but said he declined the offer due to the absence of clear and beneficial terms.
“We told them that we could agree to go with you, but what will you give me? Appointments? How many? Which one will fit me, and which will also fit the national chairman and his executives, who are people with values? They didn’t answer any of it,” he stated.
Reaffirming his political ambition, Kwankwaso said the NNPP remains committed to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, which he described as focused on uplifting the poor and empowering youths through education, employment, economic prosperity, improved healthcare and agricultural development.
He added that the party is positioning itself for a strong performance in the 2027 general elections, describing the contest as a national project that requires unity, particularly in Kano State.
“Kano State must be united so that we can win again in the next elections,” he said.
Kwankwaso also condemned the alleged plan by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to defect, describing it as a betrayal, but urged his supporters to remain calm and prayerful amid the unfolding political developments.
“This is a lesson to all of us. We thought everyone had understood. We never expected betrayal. The most painful thing is that after everything we did to rescue Kano from Ganduje and the APC, you have now handed the governorship back to him free of charge,” he added.
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