Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, has announced that his party is ready to form alliances with other major political forces, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of the fiercely contested 2027 general elections. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa after receiving former APC members in Kano, the former Governor stressed that any proposed merger must prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people and clearly define benefits for the NNPP’s established national structures. Kwankwaso, who recently turned 69, characterized the upcoming contest as one that would be significantly “tougher” than previous polls, signaling a readiness to negotiate his party’s political future based on pragmatic terms.
Detailing the NNPP’s conditions, the former governor posed a direct challenge to potential partners, emphasizing the party’s strength on the ground. “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. He affirmed his party’s readiness to engage with anyone, naming major figures and parties like the APC, PDP, ADC, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and Peter Obi. His singular criterion for such a coalition is the satisfaction that the potential allies possess the required competence and integrity, and that they are genuinely committed to meeting the fundamental needs of Nigerians. Kwankwaso’s remarks come amidst reports of a burgeoning relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has publicly referred to the NNPP leader as a “friend and ally within the progressive fold,” following a series of private meetings between the two politicians over the past two years.
However, Kwankwaso maintained that shared ideals will ultimately determine his political alignment, asserting that if any ally, including the APC, fails to meet the expectations of the masses, the NNPP would immediately disengage. He highlighted the need for leaders focused on freeing the common people, educating the youth, and drastically improving security across the nation. The NNPP leader then launched a scathing critique of Nigeria’s current political class, contrasting their lavish lifestyles with the brutal security crises, particularly in states like Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and parts of Kaduna. He argued that while ordinary citizens are being killed, the elites, including members of the House of Representatives, senators, and ministers, have fled to Abuja where they live in luxury, concerned only with self-enrichment, buying expensive houses and cars, and acting as if they are untouchable—an action for which he expressed confidence that divine judgment awaits them.
The NNPP stalwart concluded his analysis by predicting a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s electoral history come 2027. He believes that the masses are now much more involved, concerned, and better informed, thanks to the widespread reach of radio and social media, creating an environment where every citizen is proactively trying to secure a better future for their families. Kwankwaso confidently stated that, unlike in the past, no politician would be able to arrive on election day and expect to buy votes with money, hinting that the next general election could see unprecedented political developments.
