Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, says his party is open to alliances with notable politicians in 2027.
Kwankwaso, who recently celebrated his 69th birthday, said his party was open to forming alliances with other political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress, ahead of the 2027 general elections, which he predicted would be tough.
Earlier in September, Kwankwaso had declared that the NNPP was open to joining the APC, but on conditions that such development must spell out tangible benefits for the party.
Kwankwaso, in an interview with BBC Hausa, emphasised that the NNPP is willing to work with any party that shares their ideals of prioritising the welfare of the common man.
“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 declared, while receiving Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside APC members drawn from the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State, at his Miller Road residence in Kano.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has reportedly held meetings with the opposition figure in the past two years, recently described Kwankwaso as a friend within the progressive fold.
But speaking with BBC, Kwankwaso reiterated that any alliance with political parties or individuals must be based on shared ideals that will guarantee improved quality of life of Nigerians.
He said, “We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success. What we are looking for are competent leaders with integrity. The key thing is that whoever we ally with, be it the APC or another party, must be committed to the needs of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we would not continue with them.
“What we are asking for is that the common people should benefit, that the masses should be free, the youth educated and security improved. Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, parts of Kaduna, and other states. The victims are ordinary citizens, because the elites have fled to Abuja, where they are living in luxury. Some of them, like members of the House of Representatives, senators and ministers, have no concern other than enriching themselves, buying big houses, and flaunting expensive cars. They are appointed to positions and act as if they are untouchable, but I am confident that Allah will judge them accordingly.”
Kwankwaso argued that the forthcoming general elections in 2027 would be fiercely contested and much tougher as, according to him, Nigerians are now more involved, concerned and better informed.
“I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. Unlike before, people are now more involved and more concerned. Everyone is looking for a way out because of the country’s situation. Thanks to radio and social media, the masses are now informed. Everyone is trying to secure a better future for themselves, their families and their loved ones.
“This time, nobody would come on election day asking for money to cast their votes. You may probably see new things unfold; things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history.”
