By Kamal Yalwa
Media reports on Monday (not originating from Daily Trust) claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held a secret meeting with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The report suggested the closed-door engagement was part of a broader plan by the presidency to bring Kwankwaso back into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially as a vice-presidential candidate. However, the story has since been debunked by credible sources at both the Presidency and Kwankwaso’s camp.
False Claims, Denials Follow
The alleged meeting was said to have followed Kwankwaso’s attendance at the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025 at the State House Conference Centre. It was portrayed as a second known interaction between the two leaders since Tinubu’s inauguration in June 2023.
But a source close to Kwankwaso dismissed the report, saying: “That narrative is far from the truth. Kwankwaso was only at the Villa for the stated conference and nothing more.”
Presidency insiders also rubbished the claims. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described the report as “fake news,” adding, “There was nothing like that. If the meeting had taken place—either at the office or the residence—it would have been known.”
Alliance Talks Stalling
Recent developments suggest a cooling of relations between President Tinubu and Kwankwaso, once speculated to be on the verge of an alliance.
Following the surprise resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as APC national chairman—widely believed to have been Kwankwaso’s main obstacle to rejoining the party—analysts speculated that reconciliation talks were gaining traction. However, the narrative shifted sharply this week.
During a Kano State-sponsored forum on constitutional reform, Kwankwaso lashed out at the Tinubu administration, accusing it of neglecting Northern Nigeria in favour of the South.
“The North is battling poverty, insecurity, and a lack of infrastructure due to mismanagement and resource allocation,” Kwankwaso said. “Most of the roads in the North are in terrible condition, while huge sums are being spent on the South.”
Presidency Responds
In response, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Sunday Dare, refuted the claims on X, listing over 40 federal projects initiated in the North during Tinubu’s tenure. He maintained that the administration had demonstrated balanced development across regions.
Kwankwaso Rallies Support
The former Kano governor further signalled a shift in strategy on Friday, when he announced that thousands of APC defectors had joined the NNPP at his residence in Kano.
“Our distinguished leadership continues to attract new members. I welcome them all and assure them of fairness and cooperation,” Kwankwaso posted on X.
Alliance Hopes Fade
Sources close to Kwankwaso told Weekend Trust that the former defence minister is weighing multiple options for 2027. These include:
- Rejoining the APC with or without a VP slot.
- Running on the NNPP platform to block other northern candidates.
- Aligning with the opposition ADC-led coalition.
- Rejoining the PDP, potentially as a running mate to former President Goodluck Jonathan, should he enter the race.
“The Tinubu option isn’t off the table, but it’s complicated,” a senior aide said. “There’s no rush to decide.”
A Political Gamble?
Dr. Aminu Hayatu, a political analyst at Bayero University, Kano, believes Kwankwaso is playing a waiting game.
“He’s watching how the dynamics evolve within both the APC and opposition coalitions. His recent criticism of Tinubu may be strategic—to press for better political leverage,” Hayatu told Daily Trust.
He warned that joining the APC could alienate parts of Kwankwaso’s base, many of whom are critical of Tinubu.
How It All Began
Speculation about a Tinubu-Kwankwaso alliance dates back to 2023, when reports emerged that the two met in Paris shortly after Tinubu’s election victory. Kwankwaso was rumoured to have accepted a ministerial role—an appointment that never materialised.
Tinubu’s directive to Ganduje to reconcile with Kwankwaso also failed, reportedly due to Ganduje’s resistance. With Ganduje now out, many believed an alliance was imminent—until Kwankwaso’s recent criticism suggested otherwise.
What Lies Ahead
While President Tinubu is reportedly still exploring ways to secure Northern support in 2027, Kwankwaso’s next move remains uncertain. Whether he stays in the NNPP, aligns with the opposition, or rekindles talks with the presidency, his political clout—especially in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state—will be pivotal in the race.
In 2023, Kwankwaso’s 997,279 votes in Kano far exceeded Tinubu’s 517,341 and effectively blocked Atiku Abubakar’s chances in the region. As Nigeria edges closer to 2027, all eyes remain on the direction he chooses to go.
Source: Daily Trust
