Eshiorameh Sebastian
Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Musa Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to form a coalition with prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and former President Goodluck Jonathan, to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the former Kano State governor also left the door open for an alliance with the APC, but stressed that any collaboration must bring clear benefits to his party and its members.
“We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi,” Kwankwaso stated. “If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success. What we are looking for are competent leaders with integrity.”
This announcement came after Kwankwaso meeting with President Bola Tinubu twice this year, fuelling speculation of a potential alliance. However, his latest comments suggest that his demands may not have been met by the ruling party, prompting a strategic shift towards other opposition forces.
Emphasising the need for a tangible reward for any political partnership, Kwankwaso pointed to his party’s nationwide structure. “If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain,” he said.
“The party has gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join the party?”, he asked.
The NNPP leader was sharply critical of the current administration’s performance, particularly on security, accusing the political elite of being detached from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, parts of Kaduna, and other states,” he lamented. “The victims are ordinary citizens, because the elite have fled to Abuja, where they are living in luxury.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 polls, Kwankwaso predicted a fiercely contested election, forecasting that Nigerian voters are now more informed and engaged than ever before.
“I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. Unlike before, people are now more involved and more concerned,” he said. “Thanks to radio and social media, the masses are now informed… This time, nobody would come on election day asking for money to cast their votes. You may probably see new things unfold; things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history.”
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