Pres. Bola Tinubu & Senator Ribadu Kwankwaso have been great friends for about 40 years, from way back when they were in the Senate together. Their political career paths had crossed many tunes over the years. They have had similar trajectory, haivng been a Senator, Governor, grassroot politician, party leader and a dye in the wool politician.
But Pres. Tinubu is not happy with Senator Kwankwaso right now. He feels that Kwankwaso has not been fair to him. The President wants Kwankwaso to work with him in the APC. He feels if Kwankwaso is on his side, both of them would benefit. They can also help each other politically. The President needs Kano votes. He needs to make great in roads into the North. Kwankwaso is strong in Kano and he desires to expand his tantacles to the South. Tinubu is ready to work with Kwankwaso. But Kwankwaso is afraid of accepting to work with the man he simply calls Bola. He has been insisting on being offered a plum position in Tinubu’s government. He also wants some of his political associates to be accommodated at the national level of the party.
It is Kwankwaso’s refusal to collaborate with the President that made, Tinubu reach out to Kano Governor Abba Yusuf work with him. The Kano governor sees a big opportunity in joining the APC and working with Mr. President. One, he can expand his tentacles and allow for growth. It will also free him from Kwankwaso’s overbearing influence in NNPP, Abba Yusuf feels its time for Kwankwaso to expand his tentacles beyond Kano. But his godfather does not see it that way. He remains unsure of the APC offer. He is not comfortable with the likes of Ganduje, his former ally who plays big in APC.
The decamping of Abba Yusuf from NNPP to APC has not gone down well with Kwankwaso. He calls it a betrayal. He feels Pres. Tinubu should not have snatched the only Governor he has from him. Tinubu does not see it that way. He sees it as a game of politics. He feels if Kwankwaso is not ready to work with him, he can invite his Governor to cross over, which he has done. Political watchers say Kwankwaso and President Tinubu have a complex relationship. Reports suggests they’re exploring a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has met with Tinubu, sparking speculation about a potential deal. However, Kwankwaso’s camp has denied any talks, saying their leader’s meetings with Tinubu are based on long-standing relationships and not about defection.
Since 2023 Tinubu’s administration has been working to strengthen its support base in the North, and courting Kwankwaso could help him secure votes in key states like Kano. Kwankwaso, meanwhile, is seen as a potential game-changer in Nigerian politics, with a strong grassroots following and influence in the North.
Their interactions have been marked by controversy, with Kwankwaso accusing Tinubu’s administration of neglecting the North, which the presidency denies. Despite this, some analysts believe an alliance could benefit both parties, with Kwankwaso bringing his regional clout and Tinubu offering national platform and resources.
Kwankwaso and President Tinubu have had several meetings, including:
– January 2024 Meeting: Their last formal meeting took place, with no discussion on defection or political bargaining.
– Paris Meeting (May 2023): Tinubu met Kwankwaso, discussing national unity, development, and potential collaboration.
– Aso Rock Meeting (June 9, 2023): Kwankwaso, the first presidential candidate to visit Tinubu, discussed politics and governance.
– Aso Rock Meeting (July 21, 2025): Kwankwaso held a closed-door meeting with Tinubu, discussing potential collaboration.
These meetings have sparked speculation about a possible alliance between Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement and Tinubu’s APC, potentially impacting the 2027 elections.
President Bola Tinubu and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently met on February 3, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with discussions focusing on national stability, political cooperation, and future alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to broaden Tinubu’s political base, particularly in Kano State, a critical battleground.
Kwankwaso’s camp denies any talks of defection, stating their leader’s meetings with Tinubu are based on long-standing relationships. However, speculations persist about a possible alliance, with some analysts suggesting Kwankwaso could replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027.
Why is kwankwaso not joining APC?
Kwankwaso isn’t joining APC because he hasn’t received clear assurances about the future of Kano State government and the welfare of his supporters. He’s demanding compensation for the support his movement has received, citing past experiences where he felt abandoned after contributing to forming governments.
But Kwankwasiyya Movement has denied reports of Kwankwaso’s defection, stating he’s committed to the NNPP and hasn’t engaged in negotiations with the APC. This comes after Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to APC, which has sparked controversy and tension between Kwankwaso and Yusuf.
The rumour mill is agog with unconfirmed reports that Tinubu has not agreed to Kwankwaso’s request of 20 percent slot in APC for his members if he decides to join
Kwankwaso’s camp has denied reports that he’s demanding 20% of APC’s structure for his members. The NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, called the claim “entirely fictitious” and stated that Kwankwaso wasn’t involved in any discussion about leaving the party for APC.
In fact, Kwankwaso’s movement has consistently denied any talks of defection, saying his meetings with President Tinubu are based on long-standing relationships and not about joining APC. Some speculate Kwankwaso is seeking assurances on Kano State government and welfare of his supporters.
With the decamping of Kano Governor will Kwankwaso still be strong in Kano?
Many political analysts say Kwankwaso’s grip on Kano politics is no doubt facing a significant challenge after Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection to the APC. Despite this, analysts believe Kwankwaso’s influence remains strong, with his Kwankwasiyya Movement retaining a deep grassroots presence. The defection has sparked controversy, with Kwankwaso describing it as an act of betrayal. However, some commissioners and top functionaries have resigned from Yusuf’s government to show loyalty to Kwankwaso, indicating initial comfort and strength in his efforts to rebuild.
Kwankwaso’s strength lies in his ability to adapt and reorganize, as seen in his past performances. His loyalists argue that the movement’s strength isn’t tied to one person in office. With the 2027 elections approaching, Kwankwaso is recalibrating his fractured NNPP and Kwankwasiyya Movement, urging supporters to prepare for the polls .
Kwankwaso’s potential strategies include rebuilding the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya Movement’s grassroots presence, leveraging his influence in Kano and other northern states to negotiate a favorable deal with APC, or exploring alternative alliances. Some speculate he might join APC, potentially securing the Vice-presidential ticket, which would give him national visibility and a path to the presidency by 2031.
Other possibilities include:
– Repositioning as a third-force player: Kwankwaso could maintain his independence, focusing on building a strong opposition and potentially forming alliances with other parties.
– Negotiating with APC from strength: Kwankwaso’s ideological movement and electoral resilience give him leverage, allowing him to demand significant concessions from APC.
-Rebuilding NNPP: Kwankwaso might focus on revitalizing the party, capitalizing on his popularity and grassroots support.
