Leader of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, said he would only consider defecting to another political party if he is offered the presidential or vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, who is the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, stated this on Saturday while addressing NNPP supporters at his residence in Kano.
The former Kano governor emphasised that any defection must reflect both his political stature and the interests of his nationwide support base.
He has reportedly been approached by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to defect with his entire political structure.
Kwankwaso stated that his support base, built for more than four political 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 revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had invited him to join the party but said he declined due to the lack of a concrete and beneficial offer.
“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 said.
Reaffirming his political ambition, Kwankwaso said the NNPP remains committed to its Kwankwasiyya ideology, which focuses on uplifting the poor and empowering youths through education, employment, economic prosperity, improved healthcare and agricultural development.
He stressed that the party is positioning itself for a strong showing 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 planned defection by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf 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,” Kwankwaso said.
