Amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, spokesperson of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has confirmed that some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are lobbying for Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to emerge as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate.
Johnson, who spoke on The Morning Brief programme aired on Channels Television on Monday, described the move as “not out of place”, adding that Kwankwaso remains open to strategic alliances that align with his political philosophy.
“It’s not insulting to offer him the vice-presidential slot; whether he accepts or not is a different matter,” Johnson said, noting that discussions of this nature are within the realm of political possibility.
According to him, the former Kano State governor has always been driven by ideological convictions and is open to partnerships that support progressive governance.
“I’ve been with Senator Kwankwaso since around 2013 or 2014. His decisions have always been about his beliefs and whether potential partners are willing to actualise them,” he stated.
The NNPP chieftain further revealed that he has personally received calls from individuals within the APC urging him to encourage Kwankwaso to consider the position if it is formally offered.
“People from the APC have reached out to me and said, ‘Oh, if he is offered, please encourage him to accept’. But when it comes to decisions like this, it’s not a solo game — it’s a team game,” he added.
The suggestion of Kwankwaso as a possible replacement for Vice President Kashim Shettima gained traction following the disruption of an APC North-East stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, where Tinubu’s second-term bid was endorsed without any mention of Shettima. The snub sparked outrage, leading to a chaotic scene at the summit.
Speculations about a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu intensified after the recent resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC national chairman. Ganduje, a former political ally turned rival of Kwankwaso in Kano politics, stepped down amidst internal party friction and what insiders describe as a strategic reshuffling ahead of 2027.
While the presidency has remained silent on the swirling speculation, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had earlier clarified that Tinubu would announce his 2027 running mate after the APC’s next national convention.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP banner, has continued to wield influence across the North-West and parts of the North-Central geopolitical zones. His inclusion on the APC ticket could significantly recalibrate the country’s political landscape.
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