A senior aide to the Kano State Government, Sunusi Tofa, has alleged that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is indirectly positioning himself in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an appearance on an Arise News morning programme today, Tofa, who serves as the Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, claimed that ongoing political alignments and consultations across the country indicate a subtle collaboration between some opposition figures and the ruling APC.
According to him, several political moves linked to Kwankwaso could ultimately strengthen Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
Tofa stated that, “Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is indirectly or strategically working towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. Political activities and strategic engagements already taking place ahead of 2027 will eventually favour President Tinubu.”
He further alleged that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had approached Tinubu regarding plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress with Kwankwaso’s approval.
Tofa added that the alleged move was also supported by former Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
Commenting on the opposition landscape, Tofa suggested that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi may struggle to gain wide political acceptance in Kano, citing the state’s political and ideological structure.
He also dismissed reports claiming that millions of supporters attended a recent gathering at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, describing the figures as exaggerated.
According to him, even the largest public venues in Kano would find it difficult to accommodate such a crowd, adding that Kwankwaso’s residence could not hold more than 2,000 people.
Attempts to get a response from Kwankwaso were unsuccessful as of the time the report was filed.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in Northern Nigeria and leads the Kwankwasiyya movement, widely recognised by its signature red caps.
The former governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party performed strongly in Kano during the 2023 presidential election, although he did not win nationally.
His political structure was also credited with helping Yusuf secure victory in the Kano governorship election under the NNPP platform.
However, political observers have noted growing signs of tension between Kwankwaso and the Kano State Government in recent months, particularly over governance direction, appointments, and political control within the state.
