By John Umeh
Political speculations over former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s next move have resurfaced as Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives, revealed that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain remains “open” to talks with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He explained that Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has not foreclosed the possibility of aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s party ahead of the 2027 polls.
“As far as that is concerned, he has always maintained that his doors are open, our doors are open for discussions. Everything is a possibility,” Jibrin said, fueling renewed debates over Kwankwaso’s political direction.
Internal Resistance in Kano
While confirming that informal engagements have taken place, Jibrin admitted that strong internal rivalries within the APC, especially in Kano State, may pose obstacles. According to him, certain political stakeholders may resist Kwankwaso’s entry for fear of losing relevance.
“Even within the APC in Kano, you may have a situation where some vested interests won’t want us to come in,” he noted, suggesting that local politics could slow down what might otherwise be a straightforward realignment.
Kwankwasiyya Factor
Jibrin described the Kwankwasiyya movement—Kwankwaso’s long-standing political structure—as a formidable force in Nigerian politics. He argued that the group’s influence, particularly in northern Nigeria, makes it impossible for any serious political party to dismiss the possibility of a partnership.
The lawmaker also clarified that while he remains loyal to Kwankwasiyya, he is free to make his own political choices. “At my age, I think I’m old enough to make decisions for myself,” he remarked, adding that his earlier meeting with President Tinubu, which triggered defection rumors, did not mean he was being sanctioned by the NNPP.
Electoral Context
Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP and secured 1,496,687 votes, finishing fourth. President Tinubu of the APC emerged winner with 8,794,726 votes. Despite falling short nationally, Kwankwaso’s strong showing in Kano underscored his regional clout and solidified the Kwankwasiyya movement’s reputation as a grassroots powerhouse.
Amid speculation about Kwankwaso’s next steps, NNPP leaders have repeatedly dismissed rumors of his defection. In July, the party’s Kano State chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, denied reports linking Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that the former governor remained firmly with the NNPP.
The Road to 2027
With the 2027 general elections slowly coming into view, Nigeria’s political landscape is already witnessing early realignments. Kwankwaso’s potential move is being closely watched, as his decision could significantly reshape the contest in Kano and influence national dynamics.
For now, Jibrin insists that “the doors have not closed” on discussions, keeping the speculation alive and leaving both NNPP and APC supporters waiting for clarity on Kwankwaso’s political future.
