Kwankwaso Accused of Quietly Backing Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Strategy

Kano Government spokesperson Sunusi Tofa has alleged that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is indirectly working in favor of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambitions, amid growing speculation over political realignments and possible defections ahead of the next general elections.

By Folarin Aluko

Fresh political tension is building in Kano after the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sunusi Tofa, alleged that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is indirectly positioning himself in ways that could ultimately support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, Tofa claimed that several political movements and alliances currently unfolding across the country suggest a quiet alignment between some opposition figures and the ruling APC.

According to him, many of the political calculations associated with Kwankwaso and his camp may eventually strengthen Tinubu’s chances ahead of the next presidential election.

“Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is indirectly or strategically working towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid,” Tofa said during the interview.

The Kano Government aide also alleged that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had reportedly approached President Tinubu over possible plans to defect from the NNPP to the APC, claiming the move had Kwankwaso’s approval and the backing of former Kano Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The remarks come amid growing speculation over political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly within northern opposition blocs.

Tofa further argued that former Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi could struggle to gain significant political traction in Kano, citing what he described as the state’s deeply rooted conservative political culture. “Political acceptance in Kano is shaped by ideology, history and regional considerations,” he stated.

He also dismissed claims that millions of supporters recently gathered at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, calling the figures exaggerated. “Even major public venues in Kano do not have such capacity. Kwankwaso’s residence cannot accommodate more than 2,000 people,” he added.

As of the time of reporting, Kwankwaso had not publicly responded to the allegations.

Kwankwaso remains one of the North-West’s most influential political figures, with his Kwankwasiyya movement maintaining a strong grassroots presence across Kano and neighboring states. The movement played a major role in the electoral victory of Governor Yusuf during the 2023 governorship election under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

With early political maneuvering already intensifying ahead of 2027, the comments from Kano Government officials are likely to fuel fresh debates over the future of opposition politics and possible alliances that could shape Nigeria’s next presidential race.