2027 Election: 5 Reasons Kwankwaso May Decide to Finally Join APC
- Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-Kano Governor and NNPP leader, is rumoured to be considering defection to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections
- Legit.ng reports that his grassroots support in Kano and Northern Nigeria makes him a decisive force that could boost APC and Tinubu’s re-election prospects
- Possible APC switch offers him national relevance, bargaining power, and access to federal resources for his Kwankwasiyya movement and loyalists
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-Governor of Kano state and creator of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has also become the subject of political rumour-mongering again.
The mainstream Nigerian media have it that he intends to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Source: UGC
While the switch has not yet been effected, analysts say that such a switch would reshape Nigerian politics before the 2027 general election.
From arithmetic calculations of elections to egos, below are five reasons why Kwankwaso might decamp to the APC.
1. Voting power in the North
One of the most powerful grassroot followings in Northern Nigeria is that of Kwankwaso. In Kano, he took 38 of the state's 44 local governments in the 2023 elections, reflecting his unrivaled popularity.
Analysts credit his sweep as decisive, adding that Kano's over five million voters are "too strategic to be left in opposition hands.".
APC sources are convinced that his blessing would virtually assure President Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
So influential, Kwankwaso could negotiate the acknowledgement of his Kwankwasiyya movement and the award of tickets to his supporters.
1. Electoral leverage in the North
Kwankwaso commands one of the most formidable grassroots followings in Northern Nigeria.
In Kano, he won 38 of the state’s 44 local councils in the 2023 elections, demonstrating his unrivalled popularity. Commentators describe his influence as decisive, noting that Kano’s more than five million voters are “too strategic to be left in opposition hands”.
APC insiders believe his support could all but guarantee President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as reported by Vanguard.
“Although Tinubu may win in 2027, Kwankwaso’s inclusion will just nail the coffin,” A top APC chieftain, Nkire, stated.
With such leverage, Kwankwaso would be in a strong position to negotiate recognition of his Kwankwasiyya movement and secure tickets for his loyalists.
2. Strong alliance with Tinubu
Source: Twitter
A shift to the APC would cement Kwankwaso’s relationship with President Tinubu. In July 2025, he held a private meeting with the President at Aso Rock and admitted he “might work with Tinubu”.
Some party leaders have even floated the idea of him becoming Tinubu’s 2027 running mate.
At the very least, joining the APC would give him direct access to the presidency, allowing him to push for high-level appointments or influence party policy, as reported by The Nation.
"President Tinubu should have no issue negotiating with Kwankwaso, being buddies and aware of the reason Kwankwaso defected from the APC to start with," Nkire added.
3. Bargaining for positions and resources
Kwankwaso has openly stated that any defection would come with conditions. He insists he will not be “used and dumped” as in 2015, stressing the need for guarantees for himself and his allies.
He has always requested those positions that would be held in reserve for his governor, senators, and Representatives.
By making his entry conditional, Kwankwaso insures that he and his movement would have ministerial slots, federal appointments, and patronage under the APC banner.
“We are ready to join APC under strong conditions and promises. We will not allow anyone to use us and later dump us,” Kwankwaso said.
4. Access to federal power and resources
Party membership equals federal budgets and appointments that would be seen as projects for his people of Kano and beyond.
Party leaders already extended an open arms welcome, declaring his return would usher in "peace and tranquillity" and socio-economic growth to the state.
With the backing of the APC, Kwankwaso would be in a position to bring more investment, schools, and infrastructure to Kano and solidify his political support base.
5. Maintaining national relevance
Above all, crossing into the APC would make Kwankwaso a force at the national level.
Critics point out that remaining in the NNPP isolates him, whereas joining the ruling party places him at the forefront of Nigeria's political agenda.
Kwankwaso himself has declared that he still has “something to offer at the highest leadership level”.
With 2027 approaching, joining the APC positions him either to contest again or to play the role of kingmaker in deciding Nigeria’s next leadership.
APC chieftain: Tinubu must work with Kwankwason in 2027
Previously, Legit.ng reported that a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sam Nkire, has said that bringing Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso back into the party would guarantee President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 election.
In a statement on Sunday, September 21, Nkire urged the president to do everything possible to reconcile with Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023.
Source: Legit.ng
