Kwankwaso, Tinubu 2027 proposal not ruled out by NNPP, says Ladipo Johnson, noting any alliance must align with Kwankwaso’s political ideals
Kwankwaso, Tinubu 2027 proposal has stirred conversation across Nigeria’s political spectrum, following remarks by Ladipo Johnson, spokesperson for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), who stated that the idea of former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso serving as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 is not beyond consideration.
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Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday, Johnson acknowledged that while such a proposal may appear unusual, it is neither insulting nor unrealistic.
“It’s not insulting to offer him the vice-presidential slot; whether he accepts or not is a different matter,” Johnson stated during the broadcast.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and the NNPP’s flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, finished fourth in a tightly contested race.
Since then, his influence, particularly in the North West region, has remained significant, and his Kwankwasiyya movement continues to command grassroots loyalty.
Johnson emphasised that the NNPP remains open to future political alliances, provided they reflect the party’s core values and respect the aspirations of its members.
He explained that while there had been no formal proposal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the presidency, such an idea—if tabled—would be considered on its merit.
“For us in the NNPP, any political alliance must be rooted in shared ideals and the best interests of the Nigerian people,” he added.
The possibility of Kwankwaso joining forces with Tinubu, however, raises strategic and ideological questions.
While both men are considered political heavyweights with deep experience in governance, they represent different political traditions and appeal to distinct voter blocs.
Tinubu, who won the 2023 presidential election on the APC platform, has prioritised consolidating his base within the ruling party amid ongoing economic and security challenges.
Kwankwaso, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a third-force alternative to the dominant APC–PDP structure.
His base in Kano and across northern Nigeria has remained largely intact, bolstered by dissatisfaction with the major parties and a desire for more grassroots-focused leadership.
Political analysts view the floating of a Kwankwaso–Tinubu alliance as part of early manoeuvres ahead of 2027.
Some believe it may be an attempt by the APC to court northern votes and neutralise opposition figures in key battleground states.
“This is not about ideology—it’s about numbers,” said political strategist Hamzat Lawal. “With the economy under strain and the APC already facing internal dissent, courting Kwankwaso could be a tactical move to widen Tinubu’s support base, particularly in the North.”
However, within the NNPP and its broader support base, there is caution. Several party insiders believe that aligning with the APC could undermine the party’s credibility as an alternative platform, particularly among young and reform-minded voters.
“We must be very careful about what alliances we enter,” said a senior NNPP official who requested anonymity. “The party was built on the promise of doing things differently, and we must honour that.”
As 2027 approaches, Nigeria’s political landscape is expected to witness shifting alliances, new coalitions, and strategic recalibrations.
The conversation around Kwankwaso’s role—whether as a standalone candidate or in partnership with another party—is likely to intensify.
For now, Ladipo Johnson’s comments serve as a signal that nothing is off the table in Nigerian politics.
Also read: Kwankwaso Receives Defectors in Ideological Return to NNPP
The NNPP’s openness to dialogue, even with former rivals, reflects a broader understanding of the unpredictable nature of electoral politics.
