Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Friday held a meeting with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja, fueling ongoing speculation that Kwankwaso may soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to a report by Leadership Newspaper, both political heavyweights were sighted together after attending the Jumaat prayers at a mosque in Abuja. El-Rufai, accompanied by his eldest son, Bello El-Rufai, was seen exchanging warm greetings with the former Kano State governor, sparking curiosity among observers about the nature of their discussion.
This development comes as the political atmosphere grows tense with reports suggesting that Kwankwaso and his loyal base within the NNPP are actively considering their next political move, which may include realigning with the APC.
Sources familiar with the ongoing consultations disclosed to Punch Newspaper that it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Kwankwaso and the NNPP will contest the 2027 general elections as a standalone force, as they did in 2023.
“What I can reliably confirm is that Senator Kwankwaso and the NNPP are not planning to go solo in 2027,” the source, who spoke under condition of anonymity, revealed. “Given the evolving political dynamics, they are contemplating either joining President Bola Tinubu’s APC or collaborating with the opposition coalition being built around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai, and other key figures.”
Adding to the conversation, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, acknowledged in an interview that the party is actively reviewing its political strategies as Nigeria approaches the midterm point of the current administration.
Johnson explained, “Traditionally, within the Kwankwasiyya movement, we believe the midterm — specifically May 29, marking two years into an administration — is the appropriate time to start serious politicking. Right now, we are in discussions, though I won’t mention names or groups involved.”
He further addressed the swirling rumors suggesting Kwankwaso’s imminent defection to the APC. “There’s been a lot of speculation, with some parties pushing the narrative that Senator Kwankwaso is set to join the APC for their personal interests. However, nothing has been finalized yet.
“What I can say is that very soon, we will make our direction clear to our supporters. Presently, three options are on the table: continue with NNPP as it is, form a coalition with Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures, or explore an alliance with the ruling party. No final decision has been taken.”
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence and two-term Governor of Kano State, remains a significant figure in northern Nigerian politics. His next political move could greatly influence the balance of power ahead of the 2027 elections, making the ongoing consultations highly consequential.
