Kwankwaso’s influence overrated in Kano, can’t affect Tinubu’s votes – NNPP

Kwankwaso’s Influence Overrated in Kano, NNPP Declares

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has moved to downplay the political weight of its former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano State.

In a statement issued on January 11, 2026, the party’s National Secretary, Ogini Olaposi, asserted that Kwankwaso’s influence as a former governor of Kano has diminished significantly and cannot affect President Bola Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the state come 2027.

Olaposi emphasized that Kwankwaso’s political relevance is overstated, particularly after the fallout within the NNPP following the 2023 elections. He recalled that anti-party activities by members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement led to the expulsion of Kwankwaso himself, alongside Elder Buba Galadima and other key figures.

According to Olaposi, these expulsions remain in force, and the NNPP has since opened its presidential ticket for 2027 to all members, unlike in 2023 when Kwankwaso was the sole candidate.

The NNPP leadership highlighted that new aspirants, including candidates from the diaspora, are already showing interest in contesting under the party’s banner. Furthermore, Olaposi noted that the NNPP is open to alliances with other political parties that share similar ideologies, signaling a broader strategy beyond reliance on Kwankwaso’s legacy.

In his remarks, Olaposi contrasted Kwankwaso’s perceived limited appeal with Tinubu’s nationwide political reach. He argued that Kwankwaso lacks the “selling capacity” across Nigeria compared to Tinubu, who is bolstered by his performance as the incumbent president. He also pointed out that many strategic members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further weakening Kwankwaso’s base in Kano.

The NNPP’s position is clear: Kwankwaso’s era of influence in Kano is over, and his political clout cannot undermine Tinubu’s votes in the state. The party insists that Tinubu’s strength in 2027 will rest on his record in office and the APC’s performance as the ruling party, rather than on the sway of former regional power brokers.

This declaration marks a significant shift in the NNPP’s internal dynamics, as it distances itself from Kwankwaso’s dominance and positions itself for a more inclusive and strategic approach ahead of the 2027 elections.