Don’t Rush Into Coalition, NNPP Chieftain Warns Kwankwaso

A prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Asiwaju Moshood Shittu, has cautioned the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, against hastily entering into any political alliance or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shittu, a former director-general (North) of the Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Council and ex-national chairman of the defunct Alliance National Party (ANP), gave the advice while speaking to journalists in Abuja over the weekend.

He warned that any hasty merger, especially one lacking a clear agenda or credible presidential candidate, could turn out to be a “marriage of inconvenience,” similar to what happened in the run-up to the 2015 elections.

“We must not repeat the 2014 Lagos-style merger that was hastily arranged just to oust President Jonathan, without critically vetting the character and capacity of the candidate presented. The result was disastrous – we ended up with someone far worse than Jonathan,” Shittu said.

He urged Kwankwaso to read the political handwriting on the wall before committing to any coalition, noting that while the former Kano State governor has become a strong force in Nigerian politics, he must not allow desperation or political flattery to sway his judgment.

“Today, everyone wants Kwankwaso on their side. He’s the darling of many, but he must tread with caution. Who is the anointed candidate? What is the merger agenda? Is there a clear blueprint? These are questions that must be answered before moving forward,” he added.

According to Shittu, most opposition mergers in Nigeria fail because they lack ideological coherence, credible candidates, and a clear vision for governance.

He concluded by urging Kwankwaso to place the interest of the Nigerian people above political calculations, stressing that history would remember him more for wise decisions than quick alliances.

“Posterity will judge. Rushing into any alliance without substance may spell doom. Nigeria cannot afford another gamble,” he said.