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APC's Strategic Alliance with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso May Prove a Master Stroke in 2027 Presidential Election

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As Nigeria's 2027 general election inches closer, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is grappling with the threat posed by the opposition coalition on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC). The opposition's array of bigwigs, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has set the stage for an intense electoral battle. However, President Bola Tinubu's decision to form a strategic alliance with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), may prove a master stroke in curbing the opposition's challenge. Adedayo Akinwale writes that this move could help the APC inherit former President Muhammadu Buhari's 12 million bloc votes in the North, especially with Kwankwaso's grassroots appeal and followership.

Key Takeaways:

  • The opposition coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, poses a significant threat to the ruling APC, with several high-profile leaders.
  • President Bola Tinubu has formed a strategic alliance with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the NNPP, to curb the opposition's challenge.
  • Kwankwaso's grassroots appeal and followership make him an attractive partner for the APC in the North, where former President Buhari's 12 million bloc votes are up for grabs.
  • The APC may witness a repeat of the 2023 presidential poll if Kwankwaso's alliance with the party proves successful in eliminating the opposition's threat.
  • Senator Kwankwaso has a long political history, having served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Governor of Kano state, ex-Minister of Defense, former Senator, and ex-Chairman Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
  • The People's Democratic Party (PDP) is wooing Peter Obi back to the party, which may lead to him becoming the PDP's presidential candidate in 2027, further complicating APC's electoral prospects.
  • The National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, was replaced by the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, paving the way for Kwankwaso's possible defection to the APC.
  • Kwankwaso's criticism of the administration has made him a key figure in reflecting the North's silent anguish and providing a voice for those affected.

Statistics:

  • 12 million: the number of bloc votes in the North that are up for grabs in the 2027 presidential election.
  • 43: the number of projects listed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Dare, as being executed or already in place in the North.
  • 2 years: the time remaining until the 2027 general election.
  • 2027: the year of the presidential election in Nigeria.
  • 2025: the year of the Constitutional Amendment dialogue held in Kano State.
  • 2023: the year of the presidential poll that saw a similar scenario play out.

Sources:

  • Adedayo Akinwale, the writer, for the narrative and insights on the APC's strategic alliance with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
  • A Presidential Villa source for the details of the closed-door meeting between Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin and President Bola Tinubu.
  • Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, for listing 43 projects in the North.
  • Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader of the NNPP, for his criticism of the administration and his recent attacks on the federal government.
  • The People's Democratic Party (PDP) for their efforts to woo Peter Obi back to the party.
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) for their platform and the opposition coalition that they are leading.

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