Kwankwaso Working Behind Scenes for Tinubu’s Re-election – Kano Govt

KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Government has leveled a dramatic political allegation against Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) , claiming that the former governor may be secretly working to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The Director General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, made the explosive claim during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. According to Bature, while some politicians openly support President Tinubu, others – including Kwankwaso – may be backing the president quietly behind the scenes. “There are those who are working for Tinubu openly in the public space, and there are also those who can work for Tinubu behind the scene,” Bature said. “I believe whatever Kwankwaso is doing will favour Tinubu at the end of it because Kwankwaso has worked for Tinubu in 2023.” He added with striking directness, “In 2027, we are going to work for Tinubu directly and openly as members of the APC, but I believe Kwankwaso is also working for Tinubu behind the scene.”

Bature argued that the NNPP is no longer a formidable political platform for the 2027 elections, insisting that internal consultations had already produced a consensus among critical stakeholders, including Kwankwaso himself, on alternative political options involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) . “The NNPP is no longer a formidable platform for 2027. There was an agreement among critical stakeholders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, to find a lasting solution ahead of 2027 because the NNPP cannot fly on its own,” Bature stated. He further disclosed that discussions had taken place among key political actors in Kano regarding possible realignments. “With Kwankwaso’s consent, we approached Tinubu and the APC as our Option A to explore joining the party, so that the possibility of joining FEC can come into play,” he revealed.

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According to Bature, Kwankwaso initially expressed interest in engaging President Tinubu directly in political negotiations but later abandoned the process when travel plans intervened. “Kwankwaso insisted on speaking to President Tinubu before any possible defection because the president is his friend. However, after a date was set, he cancelled the appointment, saying he was going to China, and never rescheduled,” he alleged. Bature further characterized Kwankwaso as politically confused, pointing to his recent movements between Abeokuta and Ibadan seeking political alliances. “Kwankwaso is getting confused. Somebody who does not believe in the Yoruba presidency has been moving from Abeokuta and Ibadan to seek political fortune. He has been engaging Obasanjo, the Oyo State governor to secure a political fortune,” Bature said. “This is an element of political confusion because if you believe in something you have to work for it and if you don’t, you can’t work on it. At some point, he sought Governor Makinde to secure a similar partnership and when Makinde opted out of that discussion, Kwankwaso went to Obi, the same Obi that he has been calling names. He saw Obi as an inferior political leader that he can’t even work with in 2023.”

The Kano government spokesman also made a striking claim about the erosion of Kwankwaso’s political base, asserting that the once-mighty Kwankwasiyya movement has significantly dwindled. “The balance is now that Kwankwaso is now alone. It’s a lone politician with maybe 30–40% of his followership before our defection. Now we’ve moved with like 70% of the Kwankwaso supporters to APC,” he stated. He also dismissed claims that about five million supporters attended a recent gathering at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, describing the figure as grossly exaggerated. “Even major public venues in Kano do not have such capacity. Kwankwaso’s residence cannot accommodate more than 2,000 people,” he added.

Turning his attention to the speculated political partnership between Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Bature described such an alliance as unlikely to succeed, particularly in Kano State. He alleged that Kwankwaso and Obi have a history of animosity, stating flatly, “Kwankwaso hates Peter Obi, and Peter Obi also hates Kwankwaso.” He dismissed the viability of a combined ticket, arguing that it would perform worse than Kwankwaso did alone in 2023. “A Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in Kano is strange. Kwankwaso, a PhD holder, deputising Obi, who only holds a first degree, doesn’t look like the Kwankwaso we know. I don’t see this partnership working,” Bature said. He further argued, “Kwankwaso alone under NNPP was able to secure over a million votes in Kano in 2023. But believe me, in 2027, with Obi as presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as vice presidential candidate, that ticket cannot secure one million votes in Kano, cannot. And time will come, we’ll see.”

The political relationship between Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the current Kano State Government has been one of the most fiercely contested dynamics in Nigerian politics since the 2023 general elections. Kwankwaso, a former governor, former Minister of Defence, and two-time senator, remains one of the most influential political figures in the North-West, commanding a deeply loyal following known as the Kwankwasiyya movement, identifiable by their trademark red caps. In 2023, Kwankwaso ran for president on the NNPP platform, performing strongly in Kano State while falling short nationally. His political machinery was also widely credited with delivering the governorship to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who ran on the NNPP platform and defeated the APC’s candidate. However, cracks have since emerged in the relationship, with Governor Yusuf defecting to the APC earlier, leaving Kwankwaso to navigate the opposition landscape alone. Kwankwaso has since left the NNPP and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader opposition coalition that includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

In contrast to Bature’s claims, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has maintained that coalition-building is a normal and necessary part of democracy. In a statement issued earlier in May 2026, the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, called for unity and issue-based politics ahead of 2027, warning against political division and targeted attacks on individuals. “It is unfortunate that some commentators have resorted to selective attacks and misleading narratives aimed specifically at discrediting Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” Mohammed said. The group suggested that the criticism may be driven by fear of the political strength such an alliance could bring. “For the first time in recent political history, Nigerians are witnessing the realistic possibility of a broad-based political understanding capable of bridging the long-standing regional divide,” the group added, defending the proposed partnership with Obi as a step toward national unity.

Efforts to obtain reactions from Kwankwaso were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Neither the former governor nor his camp has publicly responded to the specific allegations made by the Kano State Government. The remarks come amid growing political realignments and speculations over possible alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly in Kano State, a major political stronghold in Northern Nigeria. As the political temperature rises, all eyes will be on whether Kwankwaso responds to these allegations and how the evolving opposition coalition navigates the turbulent waters leading to 2027.

Kwankwaso Working Behind Scenes for Tinubu’s Re-election – Kano Govt

APC Primary: Desmond Elliot Pulls Out of Lagos Assembly Race 

Amid growing tension surrounding the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Lagos State, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has announced his withdrawal from the contest, citing alleged intimidation and exclusion of his supporters from the voting venue.

The actor-turned-politician made the announcement on Wednesday in a video that surfaced on social media during the exercise. Speaking emotionally at the venue, Elliot accused unnamed individuals of deliberately preventing his loyalists from gaining access to the polling area in what he described as an unfair process.

“My name is Desmond Elliot. In all zones, they have been intimidating and stopping us. I want to officially announce my withdrawal from this particular race. This is my ward. If you go outside, those are my people outside, and they have not been allowed,” he said.

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The lawmaker further disclosed that repeated appeals to electoral officials overseeing the exercise yielded no result, forcing him to pull out of the race.

“So I am officially announcing my withdrawal from this race. Good luck, thank you,” he added.

Shortly after the announcement, supporters of the Surulere I lawmaker staged a peaceful protest at the venue before leaving alongside him.

Elliot, who first emerged in the Lagos Assembly in 2015, has remained one of the most recognisable faces in the state legislature due to his celebrity background and active involvement in Lagos politics. His withdrawal is expected to fuel fresh debate over the conduct of party primaries in Lagos, especially amid recurring allegations of imposition, intimidation and internal power struggles within the APC.

The development comes as the ruling party conducts primaries across the state ahead of the next local political cycle, with several constituencies reportedly witnessing intense contests and disputes among aspirants and party loyalists.

APC Primary: Desmond Elliot Pulls Out of Lagos Assembly Race

2027: Kano Non-Indigenes Reject Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance, Pledge One Million Votes for Tinubu

Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 5 minutes

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, non-indigene communities in Kano State have formally distanced themselves from any proposed political alliance involving former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The group, under the umbrella of the APC United Residents Alliance (AURA-Kano), has instead declared unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and launched a campaign to mobilize one million non-indigene votes for the All Progressives Congress.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Hon. Seyi Olorunsola on behalf of the non-indigene community in Kano State. Olorunsola serves as the coordinator of the APC United Residents Alliance (AURA-Kano) , a political platform formed by non-indigenes across Kano’s 44 local government areas to strengthen grassroots support for the ruling All Progressives Congress and its candidates ahead of the 2027 Nigeria elections .

The statement dismissed what it described as ongoing political speculations aimed at portraying residents of Sabon Gari Kano and other non-indigene communities in Kano as supporters of an alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the next election cycle. According to Olorunsola, the non-indigene population across the state remains committed to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. “We wish to categorically state that the non-indigene communities across Kano State are not part of such arrangements and do not subscribe to any political coalition aimed at misleading Nigerians ahead of future elections,” he said. He added that members of the community believe the current administration is laying a solid foundation for economic recovery, inclusiveness and national development. “The people of Sabon Gari and the larger non-indigene population in Kano remain committed to progressive politics, national unity, economic development and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” the statement read.

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AURA-Kano has launched a mobilisation campaign targeting one million non-indigene votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections. The campaign was unveiled during the group’s inaugural town hall meeting held at Hilton Palace under the theme, “Integration for Progress: Mobilising the Non-Indigene Vote for APC.” Olorunsola explained that the alliance draws membership from diverse non-native communities, including the Igbo, Yoruba, South-South groups, and other northern populations residing in Kano. The organisation seeks to unite these ethnic groups into a strong non-indigene voting bloc capable of delivering electoral success for the APC across all 44 local government areas. He identified Sabon Gari, Noman’s Land and Jaba as areas with large settler populations capable of influencing election outcomes. According to reports, people of Igbo extraction represent over 60 per cent of non-indigenes in Kano State . In the 2023 general elections, many non-indigenes in the state reportedly snubbed Tinubu for Peter Obi of the Labour Party. However, political realignments following Governor Abba Yusuf’s return to the APC in January 2026 appear to have shifted support dynamics.

Olorunsola praised ongoing infrastructural projects and governance initiatives in Kano State, noting that non-indigenes have continued to enjoy acceptance and development under the current administration. Citing ongoing infrastructural projects, he pointed to the completion of New Road and the ongoing reconstruction of Zungeru Road and Sarkin Yaki Road in Sabon Gari as evidence of Governor Yusuf’s performance. He noted that the governor renamed Sarkin Yaki Road after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. “With the level of love, acceptance and the massive infrastructural developments currently ongoing within non-indigene communities across Kano State, it is evident that non-indigenes fully understand the importance of good governance and people-oriented leadership,” he stated. “No governor has done what Abba Yusuf is doing at the speed he is going,” Olorunsola said, adding that President Tinubu’s infrastructure and economic policies were gradually yielding results. “If he is not re-elected to complete these roads, it will distort investor confidence,” he added. He maintained that the visible projects across Sabon Gari and other commercial hubs in the state would further strengthen support for the APC in future elections.

Delivering a keynote address at the town hall meeting, the former Kano State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Adeyemo Samuel, urged residents to assess leaders based on performance and remain politically active in Kano. He advised non-indigenes not to transfer their Permanent Voter Cards to their home states, stressing that their votes could shape Kano’s political future. “Do your business here, come out and vote, bring your chairs so you don’t get tired,” Adeyemo said. “From Baba Ganduje, Kano has been very peaceful, and Yusuf is sustaining that. Tinubu is revitalising the economy and constructing roads.” Leaders of ethnic associations, including the Yoruba and Igbo communities, pledged support for Tinubu and Yusuf, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and the peaceful business environment in the state. Olajide Ogunleye (Yoruba community) and Donatus Nwogu (Igbo community) reportedly pledged “100 percent” support for the APC candidates.

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The group warned political actors against dragging Kano non-indigenes into what it termed “opportunistic political alliances” without consultation or broad-based acceptance. “Our people are politically conscious and will continue to support leaders and policies that promote peace, stability, business growth and national development,” Olorunsola added. He urged politicians to desist from using the name of non-indigenes in Kano for “selfish political propaganda,” insisting that the community remains united in its support for leadership it believes can guarantee a better future for Nigerians.

The rejection of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance has been echoed by officials within the Kano State government. Sanusi Bature , Director-General of Media to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has dismissed the potential partnership as politically unviable, declaring that such a joint ticket cannot secure one million votes in Kano State. Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Bature described the former Kano governor as politically weakened and ideologically misaligned with the former Labour Party presidential candidate. He argued that Kwankwaso, who secured approximately one million votes in Kano during the 2023 presidential election, has since shed significant support in the state and is now pursuing an alliance with Obi primarily to consolidate non-indigenous and Christian votes. “Whatever Kwankwaso is doing will favour Tinubu,” Bature said. “A ticket cannot secure one million votes in Kano. Cannot. And time will come, we’ll see,” Bature stated categorically. Bature further alleged that Kwankwaso is working behind the scenes to support President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

Despite the opposition, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has defended the growing political alliance with Peter Obi, describing it as driven by a shared commitment to fixing Nigeria rather than ethnic or religious considerations ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Trust TV’s Sunday Politics, Kwankwaso said both camps had discovered during discussions that they shared similar political goals centred on improving education, security, job opportunities and governance for Nigerians, especially young people. He insisted that Nigerians are now more interested in competent leadership and solutions to economic hardship rather than religious or regional sentiments. The former governor also dismissed allegations that his political moves were designed to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secure re-election in 2027, insisting that the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was focused on offering Nigerians an alternative platform.

2027: Kano Non-Indigenes Reject Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance, Pledge One Million Votes for Tinubu