A former Kano State governor and 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims that he is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 polls.
He spoke on Wednesday night during an interview with Global TV, reacting to comments by Sunusi Bature, spokesperson for Kano State governor Abba Yusuf, who alleged that Kwankwaso was indirectly backing Tinubu.
Kwankwaso described the claim as “false and misleading,” saying only “foolish people” would believe it. “We are not working for anybody. We are only working for NDC,” he stated.
Acknowledging his longstanding friendship with Tinubu, Kwankwaso stressed that personal ties do not equate to political alignment. “Bola Tinubu has been my senior brother and good friend, but that doesn’t mean we shall pull all our political ideologies together with him. He is doing his own, and I am doing my own,” he added.
The former Minister of Defence also took aim at the current administration, suggesting that the President may not fully grasp the nation’s realities due to the influence of those around him. “Most of the people around him are actually the ones creating the problems. In those circumstances, it is difficult to see who will advise him or tell him the obvious situation,” Kwankwaso said.
On his party’s internal strategy, Kwankwaso confirmed ongoing coalition talks within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and explained the decision to support Peter Obi as the preferred southern presidential candidate. “We looked across the zones and realised Peter Obi is the best candidate. That was our assessment at that particular time,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2027, Kwankwaso expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to mobilize nationwide support. “From now till January 16, 2027, we have about eight months, which is enough time,” he said, adding that internal unity would be key to countering political adversaries.
Similarly, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Sale, dismissed claims by Bature, describing it as “desperate propaganda” aimed at discrediting Kwankwaso ahead of the next general election.
Sale said Kwankwaso had always been open and consistent in his political dealings, insisting that the former presidential candidate was not known for hidden alliances or political desperation.
“Kwankwaso has always been a straightforward politician. If he wants to work with anybody, he will openly declare it. He is not someone that can be bought or pressured into any political arrangement,” he said.
The Kwankwasiyya spokesman accused the Kano government’s spokesman of attempting to push a narrative designed to undermine Kwankwaso’s growing political influence and acceptance across the country.
He maintained that the former Kano governor still enjoys massive grassroots support, particularly among youths in Kano State, contrary to claims that his political structure was weakening.
Sale also dismissed Bature’s position that the emerging alliance between Kwankwaso and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would not survive.
According to him, both leaders were demonstrating political maturity by engaging in discussions aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation ahead of 2027.
“The issue is not about personal ambition or ticket sharing. It is about building understanding and working together in the interest of Nigeria,” he stated.
He further alleged that some political actors in Kano were sponsoring media attacks against Kwankwaso after allegedly failing to diminish his influence within the state.
Sale added that Kwankwaso remained committed to principled politics and would continue to take decisions based on national interest rather than political pressure or propaganda.
