The Chairman of the New Nigeria People's Party in Kano State, Hashimu Sulaiman Dungurawa, has made a stunning revelation about the 2027 general elections, stating that the ruling All Progressives Congress cannot secure victory without former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
APC's Political Weakness Exposed
During a press briefing at the NNPP state headquarters in Kano, Dungurawa declared that the APC lacks the necessary political strength to win the crucial 2027 elections without relying on Kwankwaso's substantial influence. The party chairman explained that both at the state and national levels, the ruling party has completely lost focus and direction, which explains their continuous overtures toward the former defence minister.
"These APC people are weak and confused," Dungurawa stated emphatically. "They know that without Kwankwaso, they will not win in 2027. They keep telling the public they are in talks with him. They need him."
Kwankwaso's Political Stature and Background
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso brings significant political weight to any potential alliance. His credentials include:
- NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election
- Two-term Governor of Kano State (1999-2003 and 2011-2015)
- Former Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo (2003-2007)
- Former Senator representing Kano Central (2015-2019) under APC
- Founder of the influential Kwankwasiyya political movement
Despite the ongoing political maneuvering, Dungurawa maintained that Kwankwaso's recent encounters with various political figures were merely coincidental and not indicative of formal alliance discussions. He emphasized that the former governor remains primarily concerned with the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
NNPP Internal Crisis and Defections
The political landscape in Kano State has become increasingly complex due to a severe internal crisis within the NNPP. Several prominent federal lawmakers have recently defected to the APC, creating a significant vacuum at the grassroots level. Political analysts attribute these defections to deep internal party wrangling and factionalization, particularly between the camps of leader Rabiu Kwankwaso and the state governor.
While the defectors may bring some followers with them, questions remain about their individual electoral strength without the NNPP platform that originally secured their positions. The ongoing political realignments suggest that the battle for Kano's political soul will be decisive in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Dungurawa acknowledged that reconciliation in politics is always possible, leaving the door open for future negotiations. However, he insisted that any potential alliances would need to align with Kwankwaso's commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian citizens across the nation.