By Peter Omopo | July 27, 2025
Fresh cracks appear to have emerged in the long-rumoured political alliance between President Bola Tinubu and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader launched a blistering attack on the Tinubu administration, accusing it of marginalising the North.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and influential northern politician, made the remarks during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment held in Kano, where he accused the Tinubu government of favouring the South while sidelining the North.
The Presidency swiftly responded, with Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, rejecting Kwankwaso’s claims. “The North has not been left behind,” Dare stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), listing key projects the administration has undertaken across the region, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline, and various infrastructure investments in agriculture, healthcare, and energy.
But Kwankwaso, undeterred, intensified his defiance by receiving thousands of defectors from the APC into the NNPP on Friday at his residence in Kano.
“Yesterday was a momentous occasion, as I received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress into the New Nigeria People’s Party,” Kwankwaso posted on X. “Our political leadership in Kano continues to attract more people. I encourage others considering joining to do so without hesitation.”
Political Stunt or Principled Opposition?
In response, Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, downplayed the significance of Kwankwaso’s remarks, describing them as “political drama” designed to regain relevance and force fresh negotiations with the President.
“It is only in politics that someone can trafficate left and turn right,” Bwala told SUNDAY PUNCH. “Kwankwaso is simply positioning himself for political bargaining. I can guarantee you he cannot realise his ambition outside of aligning with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”
Bwala acknowledged that Kwankwaso might not formally join the APC, but suggested that political alignment remained his most viable strategy. He also claimed Kwankwaso’s exclusion from recent political coalition talks was intentional.
NNPP Denies Alliance Rumours
However, the NNPP leadership has firmly rejected any suggestion of an ongoing alliance or pact with the APC or Tinubu. Prince Nweze Onu, NNPP’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), told SUNDAY PUNCH that such narratives only exist on social media and are driven by misinformation.
“Talks about Kwankwaso moving to the APC only exist on social media,” Onu said. “The misuse of Artificial Intelligence and other online tools has created misleading stories, especially in politics.”
He also clarified that Kwankwaso’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa was not political, contrary to speculations.
“He didn’t go for any political meeting. The event he attended was a programme, which just happened to take place at the Villa,” he added.
Nevertheless, when Kwankwaso spoke to State House correspondents after the visit, he admitted that his discussion with Tinubu covered “politics and governance,” and hinted at possible collaboration, though without details.
Kwankwaso to Contest in 2027
Onu defended Kwankwaso’s criticism of the Tinubu government, stating it was rooted in the realities of Nigeria’s current challenges.
“He is right. This is why the opposition must speak up — someone has to make the president realise the direction he’s taking,” Onu argued.
On 2027, he affirmed that Kwankwaso would contest, provided he meets the constitutional requirements.
“Why not? As long as he is a Nigerian and eligible to vote and be voted for, he’s good to go,” he said.
He also accused the APC of “political desperation,” adding, “Their obsession with 2027 is unhealthy. Their attempt to do too much is pushing them into depression.”
Galadima: Kwankwaso’s Visit Was About Trees, Not Politics
Buba Galadima, a close Kwankwaso ally, also dismissed insinuations about political motives behind the visit to Aso Rock. He explained that Kwankwaso was at the Villa to attend a United Nations programme on afforestation, given his reputation as Nigeria’s second-largest tree farmer after former President Obasanjo.
“Because the United Nations had invited him for three months and he kept refusing, he finally agreed to attend. That’s why he was seen at the Villa. It’s now being politicised,” Galadima said.
APC Denies Overture to Kwankwaso
The APC has also disowned suggestions that it is courting Kwankwaso for a formal role or coalition.
Nze Chidi Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, told SUNDAY PUNCH there had been no such alliance talks.
“I’m not aware of any alliance or romance with Kwankwaso,” Duru said. “He is the leader of an opposition party. The APC is not short of capable leaders and has no need to outsource leadership from someone who doesn’t share our vision or values.”
2027 on the Horizon
As preparations for the 2027 elections slowly gather steam, the latest developments suggest that any possible Tinubu–Kwankwaso alliance may be off the table — at least for now.
While political alignments in Nigeria remain fluid, Kwankwaso’s recent posture signals a return to full opposition mode, raising questions about his future role in the evolving political landscape.
