Sanusi Bature, spokesperson to Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, has alleged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is indirectly advancing President Bola Tinubu’s interests for the 2027 presidential election.
Bature made the claim during an interview on Arise News, where he said Kwankwaso may not be openly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but is nonetheless playing a role that benefits President Tinubu.
According to him, political actors in Nigeria often operate both openly and “behind the scenes,” insisting that Kwankwaso falls into the latter category.
“There are those who are working with Tinubu openly… and there are those who can work for Tinubu behind the scenes,” he said, adding that Kwankwaso’s actions would ultimately favour the president.
Bature further claimed that Kwankwaso had prior political engagements and understandings with Tinubu during the 2023 elections and suggested that ongoing political realignments in Kano indicate a possible shift toward the APC.
He also argued that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is weakening ahead of 2027, describing it as “no longer a formidable platform” and suggesting that key stakeholders in Kano are considering political realignment options, including the APC.
On speculation about a possible alliance between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Bature dismissed the idea as politically unviable, saying such a ticket would struggle to gain traction in Kano.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Kwankwaso nor the NNPP has issued an official response to the allegation.
