The political future of former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has become a growing concern within his party and across Nigeria’s political landscape. His continued silence on whether he will contest in the 2027 presidential election or join a political coalition is causing tension among his loyalists and drawing sharp commentary from leaders of rival parties.

Speaking to Punch, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeoma Arodiogbu, warned that Kwankwaso’s reputation could suffer irreparably if he chooses to align with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition.

“Kwankwaso is a very formidable politician in Kano. Looking at the population size and the political control he commands, he is a big asset to any party,” Arodiogbu said.

“But I can tell you confidently that he knows better than to join that ADC gathering. What they are doing is merely photo-ops out of desperation.

If Kwankwaso subjects himself to the likes of El-Rufai and Atiku, he reduces his political worth. He will become a follower in a formation led by people who have no solid base anymore. I believe he is too smart for that.”

The APC chieftain added that it would be in Kwankwaso’s best interest to either consolidate his influence in Northern Nigeria or officially align with the ruling party.

“In my opinion, it’s better for him to remain independent in the North than to bring himself down by joining the ADC coalition.

If I were to advise him, I’d say: join the ruling party or maintain your regional stronghold.”

Anxiety in NNPP Ranks

Inside Kwankwaso’s own camp, concerns are escalating due to his lack of communication on future plans. A close associate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch that the politician’s prolonged silence is undermining party cohesion.

“He (Kwankwaso) has been silent about his plans for the 2027 elections. Even those of us close to him don’t know what he intends to do — we’re just waiting for him to decide.

This prolonged silence is seriously affecting both our party and our group. Since we are already in the electioneering season, many of our supporters expected him to have declared his position by now.”

The source added that defections from the NNPP and its allied Kwankwasiyya Movement are becoming more frequent, with many members moving to rival platforms.

“As a result, Kwankwaso’s support base is becoming unstable, with some members of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement leaving in droves to join other parties or support other aspirants. We hope he will make his position known soon.”

Party Factions at War

The internal split within the NNPP has widened, with factions exchanging harsh words over Kwankwaso’s role in the party. The anti-Kwankwaso bloc, led by Agbo Major, is calling for his exit.

The faction’s National Secretary, Olaposi Oginni, told Punch:

“Kwankwaso can go wherever he likes; it is good riddance to bad rubbish.

He met us in the party, yet he wants to hijack the party from us just because we gave him the opportunity to be the presidential flag-bearer of the party in 2023.

As far as we are concerned in the NNPP, Kwankwaso is a political liability; he brought disunity into the party. His intention is to pocket the party as his personal property, and we say that can’t stand and it will never stand.”

Supporters Stand by Kwankwaso

In contrast, the pro-Kwankwaso faction led by Ajuji Ahmed insists the former Kano governor remains a valued leader and is still committed to NNPP’s future. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Oladipo Johnson, defended Kwankwaso’s record and influence.

“We know why all political parties want to have Kwankwaso with them — he is popular among Nigerians and a great leader with numerous achievements at both the national level and in Kano State.

But our position has not changed. All options are on the table, and we are carefully weighing them. At the appropriate time, we will inform Nigerians through you if anything changes.

So, Kwankwaso is still a member of the NNPP and remains committed to the growth of the party and the development of Nigeria. That is the current situation.”

Political Crossroads

As the 2027 general election approaches, Kwankwaso’s next move could redefine the balance of power in northern Nigeria. With the APC and ADC vying for Kano’s massive voter base and his supporters growing restless, the former senator’s political strategy may either elevate his legacy or diminish it.

As voting progressed across various polling units in Lagos during the ongoing local government elections, NigeriaUpdates spoke with elderly voters who shared their motivations, expectations, and the values they hope to see in the leaders emerging from the polls.

A Vote for Continuity and Stability

Eighty-seven-year-old Mr Sule Abass Adekoya, one of the early voters at his unit, emphasised his support for the ruling party in Lagos, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that switching parties midstream could lead to the abandonment of ongoing developmental projects, a situation he believes would hurt the state’s progress.

“I support the party,” he said, referencing the APC. “Changing parties will only scatter the work that is already going on. I’m voting for continuity in Lagos State so that things can go well as expected.”

Mr Adekoya also shared his belief that the incoming chairman would perform better than the previous officeholder, as voters had been promised.

“The new chairman has said he will do better than the one before him. So I expect him to continue the projects that have not been completed,” he added.

A Call for Compassionate Leadership

At another polling unit, 66-year-old Mrs Funke Funmilayo Akinbobola expressed her reasons for participating in the election. Her motivation, she said, stems from a desire for better governance and more compassionate leadership.

“I came out to vote because I want good government,” she said.

Mrs Akinbobola is hopeful that the candidate she chose will not only lead effectively but also demonstrate empathy and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

“I believe the one I voted for will be the best for us this time,” she remarked. “I want someone who has mercy, who listens to the people. Some of our leaders, they throw their face off—they don’t even greet or answer when we talk to them.”

She concluded with a heartfelt hope for collective progress:

“All of us, we get good reward—that’s my prayer.”

Growing Elderly Participation

The insights from these elderly voters highlight the enduring engagement of senior citizens in grassroots democracy, even amid logistical challenges that sometimes mar local elections in Nigeria. Their perspectives reinforce the call for leaders who are both visionary and accessible, capable of bridging the gap between policy and the people it affects.

As Lagosians await the outcome of the local government elections, the voices of people like Mr Adekoya and Mrs Akinbobola serve as a reminder of what matters most at the community level—continuity, compassion, and leadership that listens.

The Chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Johnson, has praised residents for turning out peacefully and enmass to vote despite initial delays in the Lagos State local council election.

Speaking from Polling Unit 053, Ward E (Egbeda) at Ebenezer Primary School,  Johnson acknowledged the significant turnout and expressed optimism about the future of local governance under his leadership.

“The camera would also show that there are a lot of people who are interested in voting for the man of the day, Akinpelu Johnson” he stated. “You can see the large turnout here because they want us to continue. I am the sitting vice chairman, and we have done well in some aspects of governance. We are going to continue on the same trend and do better than what we have done.”

Johnson also commended the peaceful atmosphere across Alimosho, noting that the exercise has been violence-free.

“You can go all around Alimosho Local Government; you won’t see any trouble. Everybody is going about their normal business. Those who came to vote went through their biometrics, got their ballot paper, voted, and left. If you like, you can stay to witness the counting—it’s that transparent,” he said.

When asked about the delay in the commencement of the election, Johnson, who arrived at the polling unit later than expected, expressed dissatisfaction with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)’s coordination but acknowledged their efforts.

“It was a painful experience that I, as the sitting vice chairman and candidate of the APC, was voting at this time of day. LASIEC needs to redesign the way they operate,” he lamented. “I’ll still give it to them—they brought in the materials late, but they came with all that was necessary for the election.”

Despite the delay, Johnson urged eligible voters not to be discouraged.

“It is their civic duty. It is their right to come out and vote. I plead that they should come out and vote for the candidate of their choice,” he said.

On the voting process, Johnson described it as efficient.

“I didn’t spend up to one minute, except that I queued until it got to my turn. I got my ballot paper and voted,” he recounted.

Hon. Akinpelu Johnson casting his vote earlier today at his polling unit.

Hon. Francis Adebisi: Youth-Led Support Shows Faith in APC Leadership

Also at the polls was Hon. Francis Adebisi—popularly known as Imole Alimosho—APC’s Vice Chairmanship candidate for Alimosho. He cast his vote at Polling Unit 41, Ward F (Ponle) and described the exercise as peaceful and vibrant.

“I cast my vote some 30 minutes ago and the exercise is fantastic—so peaceful. A lot of people turned out, especially the youth. The community is out in support,” Adebisi said. “Everybody’s enjoying themselves and voting for us—Akinpelu Johnson and myself—because they believe we can take Alimosho to a higher place.”

On the issue of delay, Adebisi attributed it to logistics but downplayed its impact.

“The delay isn’t so much. There was a little logistic problem, which is normal. Thank God the materials arrived, and people are now voting,” he explained. “Since voting is between 8 am and 3 pm, there’s still a lot of time.”

He, however, recommended an extension of voting time in high-turnout areas.

“Where the number of voters is high, I suggest an extra hour—till 4 pm—so that everyone can exercise their right,” he said.

Commenting on the change in voting methods, especially the absence of smart card readers, Adebisi said it did not negatively affect the exercise.

“I didn’t spend up to two minutes. Once I presented my voter’s card and my name was checked on the register, I voted. The absence of devices didn’t disrupt anything,” he concluded.

A Call for Improved Electoral Logistics

While both APC candidates praised the peaceful conduct and voter enthusiasm, they echoed the need for LASIEC to improve its logistical coordination in future elections. Nonetheless, their positive experiences and public appeal underscored a strong message of civic responsibility and hope for continuity in local development.