KANO/Nigeria: In the midst of swirling speculations about his potential departure from the opposition New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State, has unequivocally declared his intention to run for the esteemed office of the president in 2027.
Kwankwaso, in a recent statement, expressed dissatisfaction with the governance approach of President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns about the escalating poverty levels in Nigeria since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
According to a credible source closely associated with the former presidential candidate, Kwankwaso disclosed his decision during a closed-door meeting with his inner circle following a recent encounter with President Tinubu.
The source, a prominent North-West politician who opted for anonymity, revealed that Kwankwaso had discussed an invitation extended to him by President Tinubu to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the meeting with his close associates, Kwankwaso reportedly conveyed his resolve to contest the presidency, even if he were to join the APC. The former governor expressed confidence in securing the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, citing a perceived decline in President Tinubu’s popularity as a key factor in his decision.
The undisclosed source shed light on the strategic considerations behind Kwankwaso’s move, stating that the former governor perceives certain policies implemented by the Tinubu administration as ‘anti-Northern Nigeria.’ Despite initial reservations among his inner circle regarding joining the APC, Kwankwaso reportedly outlined the potential benefits of aligning with the ruling party.
“We had a meeting with our leader after the meeting with President Tinubu. He sought our opinion on the invitation to join APC – many of us were against the idea. But he took time to explain to us the benefits of joining the ruling party,” the source stated. “One interesting thing during the meeting that we cherished most was when he told us it’s an opportunity for him to be President in 2027. He told us in clear terms he would run for the office of the President. He gave us so many reasons why he thinks he stands a chance in 2027, which I won’t disclose,” the source added.
Senator Kwankwaso’s unexpected announcement and the political intricacies surrounding his potential defection have added a new layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape in Nigeria as the nation looks ahead to the 2027 presidential elections.
