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 made the declaration on Saturday while addressing supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at his residence in Kano. He said any decision to leave the party must align with his political standing and the expectations of his nationwide support base.
According to him, his followers, built over more than four decades of political engagement, would not accept a defection that does not place him in contention for one of the top two elective positions in the country.
“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.
The former governor disclosed that he had received an invitation to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) but turned it down, citing the absence of a clear and meaningful 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,” Kwankwaso said.
Reaffirming his political ambitions, Kwankwaso said the NNPP remains committed to the Kwankwasiyya ideology, which he described as a movement focused on uplifting the poor and empowering young people through education, employment, healthcare, agriculture and economic development.
He added that the party is positioning itself for a strong outing 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 criticised reports of a planned defection by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing it as a betrayal. However, he urged his supporters to remain calm and prayerful amid the ongoing 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.