Hopes of a political alliance between President Bola Tinubu and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, appear to be fading following the latter’s pointed criticism of the Tinubu administration.
Speaking during a constitutional amendment dialogue in Kano, the former governor accused the federal government of marginalizing the North in favour of the South—a claim swiftly rebutted by the Presidency.
Political analysts say Kwankwaso’s remarks could jeopardize Tinubu’s efforts to consolidate support in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response to the criticism, presidential aide Sunday Dare defended the administration’s record, citing major infrastructure and development projects in the North, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline.
Unfazed, Kwankwaso took to social media to announce the defection of thousands of former APC members to the NNPP at his residence in Kano.
“Our movement continues to grow,” he declared, urging others to join.
Presidential policy adviser Daniel Bwala downplayed the confrontation, describing Kwankwaso’s comments as strategic positioning rather than genuine opposition.
“He knows aligning with Tinubu may be necessary to achieve his goals,” Bwala told Sunday PUNCH, though he ruled out any formal defection to the APC.
However, the NNPP has dismissed reports of a budding alliance. Prince Nweze Onu, the party’s South-East Vice Chairman, called the speculation “politically motivated misinformation,” asserting that Kwankwaso’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa was unrelated to politics.
“He was there for a UN programme, not to discuss any political arrangement,” Onu said.
Still, Kwankwaso himself hinted otherwise. Speaking to journalists after the meeting with the President, he acknowledged that “politics and governance” were part of the conversation, though he offered no details.
Defending Kwankwaso’s critique of the administration, Onu said, “He’s voicing concerns others shy away from. That’s the role of a credible opposition.” He confirmed that Kwankwaso is likely to contest in 2027 and accused the APC of political intimidation.
Kwankwaso’s ally, Buba Galadima, also dismissed political interpretations of the Villa visit, insisting it was focused solely on a UN-backed afforestation initiative.
Meanwhile, the APC has denied any alliance talks. Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, told Sunday PUNCH that no formal discussions had occurred and rejected the idea of recruiting figures like Kwankwaso.
“We’re not looking outside our party for leadership. He doesn’t share our vision,” Duru said.
As the 2027 elections loom, the possibility of a Tinubu–Kwankwaso alliance remains uncertain—if not increasingly remote.
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