Former governor of Kano State, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso, has stated that Nigerians have already made their decision regarding the 2027 elections, citing “severe” poverty and hardship across the country.
Kwankwaso spoke on Thursday at the national executive council (NEC) meeting of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held in Abuja.
“Today, many Nigerians struggle to afford food. Many are displaced from their homes due to insecurity. Others are in hospitals without proper attention or cannot go at all because they have nothing,” he said.
“The people in this country, I can assure you, have made a decision on what to do in 2027. That is why we are so pleased with ourselves, because we are with the people. The people actually know we are with them. We are not satisfied with many aspects of life across the country, particularly the issue of poverty.
“Poverty is everywhere in this country, especially in this part of the country (the North). It is serious poverty. Many communities are unable to go to the farm now. Some cannot visit the market. Some cannot even return home.”
In light of the speculation surrounding opposition alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, Kwankwaso cautioned NNPP members not to be distracted by the defections and coalition talks among other politicians.
“But let me remind us: we must not be distracted by political defections and speculations. Some people switch parties easily, thinking they know it all, yet they actually understand little. If they truly wish to know, they should come and ask us,” he said.
The former governor highlighted some of his achievements in Kano, particularly in education and security.
“In Kano, during my time, we introduced free education from primary to tertiary level. People paid nothing.
“We went further—we identified talented young men and women and sent over 3,000 of them to 14 countries, including the UK, India, and Jordan, to study,” he said.
“Many returned with first-class degrees. Today, they are lecturers, professionals, and doctors, serving across Nigeria and beyond. We even sent over 100 young people to Jordan to train as pilots.
“In Kano, we built flyovers, underpasses, and established 26 institutes to train and empower youth. During the height of Boko Haram, I drew upon my experience as a former minister of defence to secure Kano. Criminals tried, but they failed. That is why Kano became an island of security amid crisis.”
Kwankwaso framed his party as the true alternative to the ruling class, insisting that the poverty and insecurity he described cannot be addressed by the same old political arrangements.
NNPP Under Pressure—National Chairman
Also speaking, Ajuji Ahmed, national chairman of the NNPP, stated that the party has come under mounting pressure to clarify its position ahead of 2027.
“I must state that the pressure facing us as a party regarding the direction we will take leading up to 2027 has been enormous,” he said.
“I would like to thank all those who are working diligently to reach out to and hold discussions with us in this regard. We appreciate all manner of persons, groups, and organisations for the good work they have put in.
“Of particular interest are our party members in the diaspora, all of whom have a genuine interest in moving our country forward, for their concern and even a measure of anxiety regarding our posture and decisions leading up to 2027.
“I am particularly flattered by the inquiries coming to us from various interested international organisations and groups in this regard.”
He added that while the party now has a clearer sense of its future direction, it will still require more time before reaching final decisions.
