National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to enter into a merger or alliance with other political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, but with a strict non-negotiable condition: he must be on the ballot as either the Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidate.
Speaking to a gathering of supporters and political stakeholders in Kano, the former Kano State Governor made it clear that while he is actively looking for a party to collaborate with to unseat the ruling establishment, he will not settle for a background role.
The declaration signals the beginning of intense political maneuvering as opposition figures begin to align ahead of the next election cycle.
Kwankwaso, who commands a cult-like following in Kano and parts of Northern Nigeria through his Kwankwasiyya movement, stated that his political machinery is too significant to be relegated to a supporting capacity without a top-tier ticket.
“We are looking for a party, but they must agree to give me, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a Presidential or Vice Presidential ticket,” he told the cheering crowd.
This statement effectively draws a line in the sand for potential coalition partners, particularly the major opposition parties that have been rumored to be in talks with the NNPP leader.
Political analysts view the comment as a strategic positioning move, leveraging Kano’s massive voting population which Kwankwaso firmly controls as a bargaining chip to secure a seat at the head of any potential mega party formation.
The former Governor’s stance suggests that while the NNPP remains his primary vehicle, he is pragmatic about the need for a broader coalition to win the presidency. However, his insistence on the top two positions may complicate merger talks with other opposition heavyweights who harbor similar ambitions for 2027.
As the race for alliances heats up in 2026, Kwankwaso’s ultimatum serves as notice to political suitors that the path to Kano’s millions of votes runs directly through his personal ambition for the presidency or the vice-presidency.