2027: Kwankwaso Affirms Loyalty to NNPP, Says He’s Open to Talks

Abuja—As Nigeria gradually shifts its attention towards the 2027 general elections, former Kano State governor and the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he has no intention of abandoning his party for another platform. He, however, noted that while he remains firmly committed to NNPP, he is open to consultations and discussions with other political actors where necessary.

Speaking in Abuja during the 9th National Executive Committee meeting of the party, Kwankwaso dismissed speculations that the gathering would be used to announce his defection or a merger between the NNPP and other opposition forces. According to him, the party is stable, united, and satisfied with its progress so far. He explained that contrary to rumors, the NEC meeting was never planned to serve as a platform for such dramatic announcements. “Many people thought today we would declare whether I will remain in NNPP or move to another party or join forces with certain individuals. That was never the purpose of this gathering,” he said.

Kwankwaso stated that the NNPP and its members are comfortable with their position in the country’s political space and are working patiently towards their long-term goals. “We have our party, and we are comfortable here. We are happy, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to strengthen it. We are not in a hurry. What matters is that we believe we have something important to contribute to Nigeria’s leadership at the highest level. But we want to do it the right way,” he explained.

He went further to note that although NNPP remains determined to grow on its own terms, the party is not rigid in its approach to politics. Instead, it is willing to engage with stakeholders and explore discussions that align with its principles of fairness and inclusiveness. “We are flexible. We are ready to talk to anybody. As far as we are concerned, we will continue to run our affairs with fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency. If there is any negotiation to be made, it will not be about an individual but a collective decision,” he added.

The former presidential candidate also highlighted the rising interest in NNPP from Nigerians across different regions, pointing out that the party’s unique identity is attracting new members daily. He emphasized that membership identity remains crucial to the organization’s vision, noting that the NNPP is building its reputation as an alternative platform for citizens seeking change outside the dominance of the two main political parties.

On his part, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, praised Kwankwaso for his steadfast leadership and confirmed that he remains the natural candidate for the NNPP in the 2027 presidential race. Ahmed described NNPP as the “beautiful bride” of Nigerian politics, arguing that the party is growing rapidly and has become one of the most sought-after platforms in the country. He noted that many Nigerians now recognize the NNPP as a serious alternative to the long-standing power blocs that have controlled the political space since the return of democracy in 1999.

Kwankwaso’s name has continued to resonate strongly across Nigeria’s political spectrum, especially in the northern region where his grassroots movement, the Kwankwasiyya, has gained significant popularity. Known for his red-cap followers and mass mobilization strategies, he has established himself as a politician with one of the strongest personal support bases in the country. During the 2023 general elections, the NNPP made an impressive showing, particularly in Kano State where the party displaced entrenched political structures and demonstrated its ability to compete with Nigeria’s dominant parties.

Observers believe that Kwankwaso’s decision to publicly reaffirm his loyalty to NNPP, while keeping the door open for discussions, is a reflection of his political strategy. It allows him to strengthen his base and reassure party members of stability, while at the same time leaving room for alliances that may prove useful as the 2027 race approaches. Analysts argue that Nigerian politics thrives on negotiations, and Kwankwaso’s posture positions him as a pragmatic figure who is not boxed into a corner.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the country’s political atmosphere remains fluid. While the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party continue to dominate the national stage, the rise of parties such as NNPP and Labour Party has shown that Nigerians are increasingly open to alternatives. The 2023 elections offered clear evidence that citizens are willing to embrace new platforms if they present credible leadership and national spread. For the NNPP, this is both an opportunity and a challenge.

The opportunity lies in consolidating the momentum gained in the 2023 elections and expanding beyond its northern stronghold into other regions of the country. With growing discontent among citizens about governance and leadership, smaller parties have a window to project themselves as vehicles for change. The challenge, however, is whether NNPP can transform its current popularity into a nationwide movement that can compete with Nigeria’s dominant political forces. Building strong party structures, promoting internal democracy, and uniting members behind a common vision will be critical steps in this direction.

Kwankwaso’s reaffirmation of loyalty to NNPP sends a message of stability at a time when defections and political realignments are common in Nigeria’s politics. His declaration assures party members that their leader is not abandoning the movement, but instead working to strengthen it. However, his openness to dialogue also suggests that he recognizes the importance of collaboration and coalition-building in the Nigerian political context, where alliances often determine electoral outcomes.

Political commentators note that Kwankwaso’s cautious but firm approach could enhance his chances of remaining relevant in the build-up to 2027. By avoiding hasty political moves, he projects himself as a leader who is patient and strategic, while his continued popularity in Kano and other parts of the North gives him a bargaining chip in any future negotiations.

For now, NNPP remains a party in transition, but its ambitions are clear. With Kwankwaso as its figurehead, it hopes to establish itself as a strong national force and potentially challenge for power in 2027. Whether it achieves that goal will depend on how effectively it balances its internal growth with external partnerships.

Kwankwaso’s words in Abuja may have been simple, but they carried weight. They signaled loyalty, confidence, and readiness for the battles ahead. Nigerians watching the unfolding political drama will be keen to see how he and the NNPP position themselves in the coming months as the country edges closer to another decisive election year.