Kano 2027 political powerplay sees APC and ADC scrambling for Kwankwaso’s support, with 5.7 million votes at stake in Nigeria’s northern stronghold
As political tension builds ahead of the 2027 elections, Kano State has become the prime battleground in what many call the Kano 2027 political powerplay.
Also read: Kwankwaso, Tinubu 2027 Proposal Sparks Political Speculation as NNPP Remains Open to Alliance
With 5.7 million votes on offer, the state is now central to rival campaigns by the ruling APC and the opposition ADC coalition.
At the heart of the scramble is Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
His political base remains solid, having delivered nearly one million votes to the NNPP in 2023—more than any other party.
According to Sunday PUNCH findings, both the APC and the ADC coalition have intensified talks with Kwankwaso and his allies.
“It will be a big advantage if he joins us,” said Babachir Lawal, former SGF and a key figure in the ADC coalition.
“Obviously, he is welcome because he comes with a large number of supporters.”
The coalition includes notable names such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola.
Their aim is to present a united front strong enough to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
However, Kwankwaso has not declared his next political move, creating uncertainty among his loyalists.
“He has been silent about his plans. Even those of us close to him don’t know what he intends to do,” a close associate said.
The silence has caused some defections within the Kwankwasiyya ranks.
Meanwhile, the APC seems confident it can lure Kwankwaso back into its fold. “Kwankwaso is a very formidable politician.
But I can tell you he knows better than to join that ADC gathering,” said Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC Vice Chairman (South-East).
The ADC, however, insists it is more interested in influential individuals than party structures.
Lawal explained, “Politics is local. We are targeting leaders at that grassroots level, not just parties.”
Within the NNPP, reactions are mixed. The anti-Kwankwaso faction led by Agbo Major views his potential defection as “good riddance.”
But the pro-Kwankwaso camp maintains he is a major asset and remains committed to the party.
Also read: Ganduje Resignation Fuels APC Leadership Crisis, Kwankwaso Buzz
As discussions continue and alliances shift, one thing remains clear: Kwankwaso holds the key to Kano, and Kano may hold the key to 2027.
