Former Kano State governor and former Minister of Defence, Rabiu Kwankwaso has dismissed allegations suggesting he is secretly working for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing such claims as baseless and misleading.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Wednesday night, where he addressed speculation surrounding his political alignment and future plans.
The former governor stated that rumours linking him to Tinubu’s political interests have circulated since his time in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), insisting that neither he nor his associates are working for the president’s political ambitions.
According to him, only people unwilling to understand the realities of politics would believe claims that he is supporting Tinubu’s re-election agenda.
He stressed that his political movement remains committed to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that while he shares a longstanding relationship with the president, political friendship does not automatically translate into a merger of ideologies or ambitions.
Kwankwaso noted that Tinubu has remained a senior colleague and friend over the years, but maintained that both men are pursuing separate political paths and objectives.
His comments followed allegations made by Sanusi Bature, spokesperson to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, who claimed that Kwankwaso had indirectly worked for Tinubu during the 2023 elections and recently attempted to arrange a direct meeting with the president.
Responding further, Kwankwaso suggested that the president may not be fully aware of the true situation in the country due to the influence of individuals around him.
He argued that some of those surrounding Tinubu are contributing to national challenges and failing to provide honest advice about the country’s realities.
Kwankwaso further alleged that political actors close to the presidency are more focused on expanding political influence by attracting governors into the ruling party, noting that the APC currently controls the highest number of governors across the country.
On the issue of coalition politics, Kwankwaso also spoke about ongoing discussions within the NDC and explained the party’s decision to support Peter Obi as its preferred southern presidential figure.
According to him, party leaders from the six geopolitical zones met and agreed to work together under a common political vision. He explained that after zoning the presidential ticket to the South, the party assessed potential candidates and concluded that Obi emerged as the most suitable option at the time.
Kwankwaso said the coalition still has enough time to engage Nigerians and strengthen support ahead of the next general election.
Addressing questions regarding his influence across Northern Nigeria and his potential role in mobilising support for Obi in the North-East and North-West, Kwankwaso refrained from assessing his own popularity.
Instead, he stated that the coalition remains focused on grassroots engagement and convincing Nigerians through its message and political agenda.
He added that misinformation and political propaganda would eventually be exposed, expressing confidence that voters would distinguish between genuine leadership and political manipulation as the 2027 election season draws closer.
Kwankwaso Denies Working for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election, Backs Obi as Southern Choice
