The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has given the condition that could make him defect from the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former two-term governor of Kano State gave the condition when he spoke with his supporters in Kano, the Kano State capital.
He said he would dump the NNPP if another party offers him its presidential or vice presidential ticket for the 2027 polls.
Kwankwaso also condemned the planned defection of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress.
He described it as an act of betrayal.
He said despite his political journey spanning four decades, his supporters nationwide would only accept a defection if it guaranteed him the top two positions in the next election.
He said the APC had invited him to join the party but he declined due to the “absence of a concrete offer” benefiting him and his followers.
Kwankwaso said: “We told them that we agree to go with you.
“But what will you give me?
“Appointments?
“How many?
“Which one among them will fit me, which I will accept?
“Which one will also fit the national chairman since the national chairman and his executives are important people with values?
“They didn’t answer any of it.”
Kwankwaso reiterated the NNPP’s commitment to its political ideology, Kwankwasiyya, which prioritises supporting the poor and youth through employment, education, economic prosperity, healthcare improvement, and agricultural development.
He said: “Some are saying it’s just a plan to have options one, two, three, etc.
“We brought those options then.
“But this time, it’s a national issue.
“And Kano State must be united so we can win again in the next elections.”
On Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC, Kwankwaso expressed surprise and disappointment, adding that the governor failed to consult him or provide a clear reason for the move.
He said: “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.
“We want to give you an assignment: continue praying for them.
“Secondly, if any of you are in contact with them, tell them to stop.”
