Former Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has downplayed growing speculation of a major division within Nigeria’s opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that political alliances between the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could still happen before the polls.
Kwankwaso also dismissed suggestions that his recent departure from the ADC signaled a personal fallout with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that politics should not be viewed as a battlefield among opposition leaders.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, the former Kano governor clarified that his decision to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress alongside Peter Obi was based on internal concerns within the ADC and not personal disagreements with Atiku or other opposition figures.
Kwankwaso Says Opposition Alliance Still Possible Before 2027
Addressing concerns that the opposition may now be fragmented into multiple competing camps ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Kwankwaso maintained that collaboration among opposition parties remains possible.
According to him:
“We may still work together before the election.”
The former presidential candidate explained that his exit from the African Democratic Congress should not be interpreted as hostility toward Atiku or any member of the opposition coalition.
Kwankwaso stated that both he and Peter Obi chose to leave the ADC after discovering unresolved internal issues within the party structure.
He revealed that the party was facing three major challenges that could potentially affect its ability to successfully field candidates for the 2027 elections.
Although he did not disclose the exact nature of the issues, he hinted that the problems could create legal or structural complications for the party in the future.
“Whether they will be able to field candidates in that party or not is just a matter of time,” he said.
Kwankwaso Rejects Claims of Personal Rivalry With Atiku
The remarks come amid growing political tension within opposition circles following recent comments reportedly made by Atiku Abubakar during another interview on Arise Television.
Atiku had allegedly claimed that Kwankwaso’s political influence was largely limited to Kano State and had even become divided internally due to the influence of Governor Abba Yusuf.
The former vice president also described himself as the most influential northern politician currently active in Nigerian politics, arguing that no other northern figure — including Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, or Nasir El-Rufai — possessed a voter base as extensive as his across the North.
Despite the comments, Kwankwaso avoided engaging in direct criticism of Atiku and instead adopted a conciliatory tone.
According to him:
“Politics is just like a game. I’m not fighting anybody and I’m not expecting anybody to fight me.”
He stressed that political disagreements should not destroy long-standing relationships among politicians who have previously worked together.
Kwankwaso Defends Political Strength in Kano
Reacting to suggestions that the opposition could face vote division in Kano State during the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso challenged critics to wait until the elections before making conclusions.
“Let’s wait for the election and see whether votes are split in Kano or not,” he stated.
Political observers believe Kano will remain one of the most strategic battlegrounds in the 2027 elections due to its large voting population and historical influence on presidential contests.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in Northern Nigeria through the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political structure that has maintained significant grassroots support across Kano and neighbouring states.
Kwankwaso Recalls Political Partnership With Atiku
The former Kano governor also reflected on his past political relationship with Atiku, revealing that he previously served as the former vice president’s northern coordinator during the 2019 presidential election campaign.
According to Kwankwaso, the two politicians had collaborated closely during Atiku’s presidential bid under the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said:
“There was an election in 2019 in Port Harcourt. He won the election. I was his coordinator for the North.”
Kwankwaso also traced their political history further back to the 2015 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress held in Lagos.
During that primary election, former President Muhammadu Buhari emerged victorious, while Kwankwaso finished second and Atiku came third.
The comments appear aimed at reinforcing the idea that political alliances in Nigeria are fluid and that past rivalries do not necessarily prevent future collaboration.
Opposition Coalition Talks Continue Ahead of 2027
The latest developments underscore the growing political realignments currently shaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Recent months have witnessed intensified coalition discussions among several opposition leaders seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
The movement of prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC has already triggered widespread debate over the future structure of opposition politics in Nigeria.
However, Kwankwaso’s latest comments suggest that opposition leaders may still be exploring broader alliances despite existing disagreements over party platforms and presidential ambitions.
Analysts Say Opposition Unity Could Shape 2027 Elections
Political analysts believe the ability of opposition parties to maintain unity could play a major role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Many observers argue that unresolved disputes over zoning, party control, candidate selection, and coalition strategy could weaken the opposition’s chances against the ruling APC.
Others, however, believe that Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, insecurity, unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with governance may encourage stronger collaboration among opposition figures before the election season fully begins.
For now, Kwankwaso’s comments appear aimed at calming fears of a permanent split within the opposition while keeping the door open for future negotiations with Atiku and other coalition leaders ahead of 2027.
