Politics
Kwankwaso’s next move awaited, could change political equations ahead 2027
By any political barometer, the former governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is not your everyday Nigerian politician. He is a phenomenon, an institution built on charisma, grassroots connection, and stubborn ideological defiance.
For years, his political trajectory has been one of rebellion, reform, and resilience. He defied odds to become the governor of Kano State twice, navigated Nigeria’s tumultuous political waters as a senator, and in the 2023 general elections, led the New Nigeria People’s Party to a surprise “third force”. Yet, today, conversations are shifting: what if Kwankwaso makes the most dramatic move of his career by re-joining the All Progressives Congress?
This conversation is even more intense following the sudden resignation of the APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje. While the public narrative suggests “internal restructuring”, insiders and analysts see the move as a calculated sacrifice, a strategic detour, to clear the path for Ganduje’s long-time rival and one of the most influential politicians in northern Nigeria to rejoin the party.
Ganduje’s resignation is more than just the fall of a party chieftain; it is a political brinksmanship aimed at leveraging the popularity of Kwankwaso in Kano State for a huge political fortune come the 2027 elections.
The Tinubu administration, increasingly criticised by northern elites for executing a “Yoruba agenda” and abandoning the region that largely installed it in power, now finds itself in urgent need of a northern political redeemer, someone with street credibility, cult-like grassroots following, and electoral weight to bridge a growing trust deficit.
For the APC, Kwankwaso fits the bill. His Kwankwasia Movement is a formidable political platform in Kano State and beyond. For Kwankwaso, this “invitation to power” could be the launch pad for the presidency he has long dreamt of.
If he chooses to align with the APC, it will be a gamble, but one with high stakes and possibly higher returns. For the party, it would signal a rebirth. For Kwankwaso, it might just be the final chapter in a storied career, the path to Aso Rock that no structure alone could pave, but only influence could unlock.
In a recently circulated and strongly worded statement personally signed by him last month, Kwankwaso emphasised that the APC had inflicted untold hardship, economic deterioration, and deepened insecurity on Nigerians since assuming power.
He condemned the party’s track record of what he described as “reckless governance, policy failures, and a disconnect from the everyday realities of the Nigerian people”.
He said that though the President had personally reached out to him to consider rejoining the party despite the flattering promises, he made it crystal clear to him that he would rather quit politics entirely than return to the APC, a party that had inflicted immense hardship on Nigerians.
Part of the statement reads: “I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that President Tinubu personally reached out to me on multiple occasions, urging me to return to the APC fold. He called me directly and made several overtures, both in private and through mutual contacts, in a bid to lure me back to a party that I once helped build but ultimately had to leave due to its departure from principle and justice.”
Kwankwaso said that during one of his conversations with the President, he was assured that the party would meet all the conditions he gave before he could rejoin the fold. “Despite the flattering promises, I made it crystal clear to him (Tinubu) that I would rather quit politics entirely than return to the APC, a party that has inflicted immense hardship on Nigerians,” he said.
At face value, this idea borders on irony. For long, Kwankwaso has dismissed the APC as an unfit house of contradictions, a political contraption built on shifting sands. But the big question that stares Nigerians in the face is: could Kwankwaso’s long-standing rivalry with Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano governor and immediate past APC national chairman, be the reason he never wanted to do anything with APC? Was Ganduje sacrificed to accommodate Kwankwaso in the party?
But politics, like war, obeys the law of strategic necessity. And 2027 is not just another election year; it is a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The ruling APC, battered by public discontent, internal cracks, and a leadership struggling with economic hardship and insecurity, faces the monumental task of renewal or rejection. In that context, Rabiu Kwankwaso will not just be another defector, but a potential political dividend too significant to ignore.
The most potent threat to Tinubu’s 2027 ambition is not just the anger of the masses, it is the quiet convergence of powerful political rivals, former allies, and embittered party insiders who are now aligning, not out of love for one another, but out of a shared goal: “Stop Tinubu”.
From PDP governors who feel sidelined in national politics, to the anti-Tinubu Northern elites led by el-Rufai, the groundswell of opposition to Tinubu’s reelection is growing by the day.
This has prompted Tinubu to turn to what he knows best: the politics of bargaining, coalition-building, and recruiting influence as a substitute for popularity.
With 2027 drawing closer, Kwankwaso now finds himself at the centre of Nigeria’s political chessboard. The APC is rumoured to be considering offering him the vice-presidential ticket — a power-sharing arrangement meant to seduce his northern base and tap into his electoral machinery.
On paper, the deal seems attractive: national visibility, institutional resources, and a credible path to the presidency by 2031.
But beneath the surface lies a more sobering possibility: that Kwankwaso could simply be a means to an end, a disposable political tool to retain Northern votes for a Southern presidential candidate, only to be discarded post-election. It is a tactic as old as Nigerian politics itself: bait the North, win the votes, and then shift the power dynamics.
This isn’t the first time northern political figures have been wooed into national alliances with promises of future power. Think of Atiku Abubakar under Olusegun Obasanjo, or Namadi Sambo under Goodluck Jonathan, both powerful in their zones, yet relatively politically neutered in the larger governance arrangement. The question before Kwankwaso is simple: Will history repeat itself—or will he rewrite it?
Unlike some of his predecessors, Kwankwaso commands an ideological movement, not just political followers. The Kwankwasiyya Movement has shown remarkable staying power and electoral resilience, especially in Kano and some northern states. This gives him leverage — but only if he negotiates from strength, not desperation.
Kwankwaso’s political capital is not limited to titles. It resides in the enduring loyalty of the “Kwankwasiyya Movement” — a cult-like following of red-capped supporters across Northern Nigeria, especially in Kano, which remains one of the most electorally decisive states in the country.
In 2023, with limited structure and resources, Kwankwaso’s NNPP clinched Kano decisively and carved out a national conversation on third-force politics. This feat was not achieved because of a strong party infrastructure; it was the result of influence.
And therein lies the point: APC needs influence more than it needs more structure. The party already has a bloated organisational skeleton. What it lacks is a charismatic mobiliser to inject fresh electoral energy and grassroots vibrancy, and Kwankwaso offers just that.
Should Kwankwaso take the bait, the immediate effect will be seismic. APC’s northern base would be reinvigorated. Disillusioned northern voters, who see the current Tinubu-led APC government as indifferent to their economic and security concerns, may find renewed hope. Kano, long the electoral goldmine of the North, could be locked down, and other states like Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna may follow suit. It would be the shockwave APC needs, a game-changing recalibration of political arithmetic.
However, Kwankwaso risks alienating his core loyalists, many of whom view the APC as the embodiment of everything he has fought against — elitism, betrayal, and exclusion.
If his move is perceived as opportunistic or transactional, he may find his influence diluted, his movement fractured, and his legacy tainted. In other words, he may win the vice presidency and lose the soul of Kwankwasiyya.
Many of Kwankwaso’s loyalists would see such a move as a betrayal of principle, especially after years of painting the party as the face of Nigeria’s dysfunction. He may risk a portion of his credibility, and the pain could also be personal, not just political.
But politics in Nigeria has a short memory and a long eye on the future. Should Kwankwaso be able to navigate internal politics, he would likely emerge as the northern arrowhead in APC’s 2027 equation, potentially positioning himself as either kingmaker or king.
With President Tinubu constitutionally limited to one more term and internal power tussles looming, Kwankwaso could stake a bold claim on the presidency, representing a powerful Northern resurgence within a fractured ruling party.
In a political climate where structure is often mistaken for power, Kwankwaso’s case reminds us that influence and cult followership remain the ultimate currency. While other politicians trade loyalty for relevance, Kwankwaso has maintained a rare authenticity.
His ability to mobilise people, shape narratives, and tilt electoral outcomes even outside of Nigeria’s traditional party machines proves he is greater than any banner he flies under.
The APC, facing diminishing returns from old alliances and internal fatigue, may find its best bet in a man who once stood outside its gate, fists clenched in protest. But now, with an open hand and strategic ambition, Kwankwaso may become its most valuable political dividend yet, not just for 2027, but for the future shape of Nigerian politics.
Senator Kwankwaso now stands at a historic intersection. He can maintain his third-force purity and risk political isolation, or he can seize the APC lifeline and with it, a genuine shot at national power. But this is no ordinary defection; it is a test of strategy, legacy, and foresight.
If played right, Kwankwaso could redefine APC and rewire the path to the Nigerian presidency.
Kalu Okoronkwo, a leadership and good governance advocate, writes from Lagos via kalu.okoronkwo@gmail.com
Politics
Anambra APC Crisis Deepens as Anosike Group Warns Against Secretariat Takeover by Rival Faction
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The leadership crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) escalated on Sunday as a factional executive led by Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo reportedly moved to take over the party’s state secretariat in Awka.
However, the executive led by Senator Emma Anosike described the move as unlawful and warned party members against attending any meeting convened by the rival faction.
The dispute stems from a Federal High Court judgment which the Osegbo faction claims affirmed its leadership. The Anosike camp, however, insists the judgment has been misrepresented, describing it as flawed and arguing that neither Senator Emma Anosike nor the party’s State Secretary was joined as a party in the suit. According to the group, the National Working Committee (NWC) and the APC National Chairman were the only defendants in the case.
The Anosike-led executive further argued that any attempt by the Osegbo faction to take over the state secretariat must first be backed by the National Working Committee, which it said remains the only authority empowered to effect such a change.
The group also maintained that security agencies, including personnel deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, continue to recognise Senator Emma Anosike as the authentic chairman of the party in Anambra State.
Despite this, members of the Osegbo faction reportedly arrived at the party secretariat on Sunday to assume control, although the keys to the offices remain in the custody of the Anosike-led executive.
Defending the move, the faction’s Legal Adviser, Barrister Rich Egenti, insisted that the court judgment had already been fully executed.
“There is nothing left to stay. Mere filing of a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal after full execution of the judgment does not amount to a stay. Those challenging the judgment should approach the Court of Appeal and obtain the appropriate order instead of circulating propaganda,” Egenti said.
He added that the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court had acknowledged that the execution process had been concluded.
“Any attempt by any person or group to stop the lawful assembly of the Anambra APC will be deemed contemptuous and illegal and shall be vehemently resisted,” he stated.
Responding, the Anosike-led executive said it had already taken all necessary legal steps to challenge the judgment.
In a statement, the group noted that Chief Ifeanyi Osegbo did not contest for any position during the last state congresses, including the office of state chairman.
“Our legal team has filed the necessary applications, including a stay of execution and an appeal before the Court of Appeal,” the statement read.
The group further claimed that the APC national leadership had also appealed the judgment and continued to recognise Senator Emma Anosike as the party’s state chairman.
“We remain confident that the courts will determine the issues in accordance with the law. It is also on record that the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies are investigating allegations of document forgery which allegedly misled the court into delivering the judgment,” the statement added.
The Anosike faction urged party members to remain calm, law-abiding and refrain from attending meetings convened by any leadership other than that led by Senator Emma Anosike, Hon. J.C. Okeke and Sir Obi Okpala, whom it described as the duly elected and inaugurated executives of the party in Anambra State.
On July 3, the faction filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution before the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
In the appeal, Senator Emma Anosike, Sir Obi Okpala and other elected executive members are seeking an order setting aside the June 24, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, describing the proceedings as a nullity.
The appellants also asked the appellate court to stay the execution of the judgment pending the determination of their application.
Among the grounds of appeal are alleged non-service of court processes, denial of fair hearing, misrepresentation in obtaining the judgment, forum shopping, issue estoppel, and the court’s jurisdiction to set aside a judgment alleged to be a nullity.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come under criticism following its decision to alter the list of candidates that emerged from its National Assembly primaries, sparking fresh concerns over internal democracy and the credibility of its candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition parties condemned the move, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accusing the ruling party of descending into confusion, the Labour Party (LP) describing the substitutions as undemocratic, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) branding the action reckless.
The APC, however, defended the changes, insisting they reflected fairness and the wishes of party members. It also urged opposition parties to focus on resolving their own internal crises rather than commenting on its affairs.
The controversy followed the APC’s directive to its state chapters to submit the final list of candidates for the 2027 elections while issuing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms for completion.
Several aspirants who were initially declared winners alleged that they were replaced after the party’s May Primary Election Appeal Commission reviewed petitions arising from the primaries.
Reports indicate that the APC National Working Committee (NWC), acting on the appeal committee’s recommendations, overturned the victories of several senatorial candidates in nine states and restored six serving senators to the party’s final list.
Those reinstated include Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East), Titus Zam (Benue North-West), Shuaibu Isa Lau (Taraba North), Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), and Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North). In Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne replaced Edinburgh Erondu.
Among those affected was former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, whose earlier victory in the Benue North-East primary was nullified in favour of incumbent Senator Emmanuel Udende.
The revised list has since generated internal disagreements and raised legal questions, particularly in light of INEC’s warning that it would reject the names of candidates who did not emerge from primaries monitored by the commission.
Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, described the changes as evidence of growing confusion within the APC, saying the opposition would take advantage of the situation ahead of the elections.
“With the change of the candidate list, there is confusion in the APC. Let them remain in confusion so that we can take advantage of it and reclaim power. It is not our duty to advise them on how to put their house in order,” he said.
The Labour Party also criticised the substitutions, insisting that candidates who emerge from valid primaries should not be replaced.
LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the party had consistently respected the outcome of its primaries, describing the APC’s action as a mockery of the Electoral Act and democratic principles.
“For us in the Labour Party, we have never removed the names of people who won our primaries and replaced them with those who did not. That is how democracy should be practised,” Asogwa said.
However, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, argued that political parties have the constitutional right to determine their candidates through internal mechanisms.
He noted that the Supreme Court had affirmed the authority of political parties to nominate candidates and stressed the need for aggrieved members to pursue available internal appeal and reconciliation processes.
Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) defended the APC’s action. Its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the Electoral Act empowers political parties to manage their candidate selection process, including addressing irregularities through internal mechanisms.
He maintained that if a party identifies flaws in its primary process and opts to make adjustments in line with its constitution, it is within its rights to do so, while denying allegations that the NDC had imposed candidates.
The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the claim was “far from the truth” and accused “irresponsible bloggers” of deliberately spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly,” Oyelade stated.
He urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
The commissioner added that the Oyo State Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abductees and bring the incident to a successful conclusion.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated attack also claimed the life of a teacher.
The victims have remained in captivity since the attack, while the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed reports that aggrieved aspirants who lost the party’s primary elections are plotting to work against its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Following the conclusion of the party’s primaries a few weeks ago, reports had alleged that some unsuccessful aspirants were considering supporting candidates of other political parties in protest, with the aim of undermining APGA’s chances at the polls.
However, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the claims as false, insisting that the party remains united after a reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Charles Soludo.
“I am hearing this from you. As a party, we have not received any report of such a plot. Let me state clearly that all the aspirants have resolved to work for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections,” Opara said.
He explained that during the meeting held at the Light House in Awka, aspirants and candidates openly discussed issues arising from the primaries, stressing that none of the participants accused the party of conducting an unfair or non-transparent process.
“Everyone expressed their views about the primary elections. No one alleged that the process lacked transparency. The only concern expressed was that each aspirant had hoped to emerge victorious.
“At the end of the meeting, every misunderstanding, anxiety and misgiving surrounding the primaries was resolved, and the party remains one united family,” he added.
Opara also warned opposition parties against what he described as deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods and create disaffection within APGA.
He cautioned individuals engaging in cyberbullying and name-dropping for political purposes to desist, warning that the party would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found defaming its members.
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail by the opposition. They should be mindful of the legal consequences of cyberbullying and name-dropping. We urge our party faithful and the general public to disregard these spurious reports,” he said.
This version improves grammar, flow, attribution, and readability while preserving the substance of the original report.
Former Minister Uche Nnaji
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, for an initial 14 days as investigations into alleged certificate forgery continue.
The remand order followed Nnaji’s arrest on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
According to an official of the anti-graft agency, the court-approved remand will enable investigators to interrogate the former minister over the allegations, with the possibility of seeking an extension should further investigation require additional time.
Nnaji was apprehended following the execution of a bench warrant earlier issued by the Federal High Court after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended by the commission.
The ICPC subsequently confirmed the arrest in an official statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, stating that the former minister is in the commission’s custody as investigations continue into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening process.
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