Kwankwaso Clash Clouds Prospects of Tinubu–NNPP Alliance Ahead of 2027
Date: July 27, 2025
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and 2023 presidential candidate, has publicly expressed strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration—remarks that are now casting doubt on longstanding speculation of a political alliance between the NNPP and Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) heading into the 2027 elections.
⚠️ Core of the Dispute
Kwankwaso, speaking at a constitutional amendment stakeholders' dialogue in Kano on July 24, accused the Tinubu administration of disproportionately allocating federal resources and development projects to southern regions—leaving the North underserved. He described the state of roads, particularly the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano corridor, as “hell” during a recent road journey, painting a bleak picture of infrastructure neglect in Northern Nigeria.
Additionally, he linked this perceived marginalization to worsening insecurity and poverty, suggesting Northern interests were overlooked by the current federal leadership.
📉 Political Fallout: Doubts Over Alliance
This public outburst comes amid ongoing chatter about a possible partnership between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, previously fueled by private meetings and Kwankwaso’s political clout in the North. Analysts had speculated that Tinubu may be courting NNPP support to consolidate influence in northern strongholds.
However, Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms have unsettled those narratives. Reports now suggest coalition talks are either strained or paused. Shan Ganduje’s recent exit from the APC as National Chairman further complicates any potential rapprochement.
🗣️ Responses from Tinubu Camp and Allies
1. Presidential Aide Daniel Bwala downplayed Kwankwaso’s criticisms as a gambit to re-enter negotiations with the APC. He argued that the remarks are political maneuvering increasing Kwankwaso’s market value rather than policy critique. Nonetheless, Bwala reaffirmed his belief that Kwankwaso will ultimately align with Tinubu—even if he stops short of formally joining the APC.
2. Northern Groups Push Back
Arewa Think Tank, an influential regional advocacy group, condemned Kwankwaso’s claims as misleading and divisive. Citing Federal Ministry of Works data, they noted that over 50% of "legacy" road projects and more than half of Sukuk‑financed infrastructure are located in Northern Nigeria. In their view, Kwankwaso’s framing fuels unnecessary ethnic tension and undermines facts.
3. Presidential Rebuttal
The Presidency issued a full rebuttal, calling Kwankwaso’s allegations “unfounded, misleading, and politically motivated.” Presidential advisers highlighted over 40 major projects across the North—encompassing roads, rail, irrigation, health facilities, and energy infrastructure—to assert regional parity in federal investment.
🔍 What It Means for 2027 and Beyond
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Intra-elite fractures: Kwankwaso’s remarks signal potential rifts between him, the NNPP, and Tinubu’s APC, raising questions about whether any alliance is viable.
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Regional mobilization: With Kano and surrounding states firmly under NNPP influence, Kwankwaso may be positioning himself to challenge Tinubu’s coalition efforts, or to negotiate better terms for the North.
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Narratives clash: The crux of this dispute rests on competing narratives: Kwankwaso portrays the North as sidelined; Tinubu’s camp insists national development is equitable and transparent.
📝 Conclusion
Kwankwaso’s uncompromising tone has significantly clouded prospects of a formal political alliance with President Tinubu. Whether this is a strategic gambit by the NNPP leader, a genuine policy critique, or a negotiation tactic is unclear—but it has certainly shifted the political dynamic ahead of 2027. Until either side signals movement, the alliance seems on uncertain footing.
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