THIS DAWN — Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has delivered a blunt political assessment of former Kano State Governor and NNPP leader, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Keyamo declared that the veteran politician has “boxed himself into one of the tightest corners” of his career due to indecision and missed opportunities.
In a widely circulated statement, the Aviation Minister praised Kwankwaso’s past political influence.
However, he argued that his refusal to accept overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) has left him politically stranded ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo Assesses Presidential Ambitions Versus Party Realities
Keyamo outlined five key facts that, in his view, define Kwankwaso’s current predicament.
First, Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition is unlikely to materialize in 2027, as none of the major parties — APC, PDP, or ADC — are expected to offer him the ticket.
He claimed the ADC is effectively under Atiku Abubakar’s control, while the APC and PDP are both leaning toward southern candidates.
Kwankwaso’s own party, the NNPP, is described as a “one-state party,” with its grip on Kano weakening.
This is due to recent defections, including the state governor’s departure.
“A leader is only as strong as his devoted lieutenants,” Keyamo noted.
Strategic Dilemma
Keyamo argued that Kwankwaso cannot support a northern candidate in 2027 without sacrificing his own long-term ambitions.
Doing so would likely delay his next realistic shot at the presidency until 2031 — or even 2043 — by which time he would be 86 years old.
This, Keyamo said, rules out any alliance with Atiku.
The only viable path, according to him, is for Kwankwaso to build strategic alliances in 2027 that could position him for 2031.
However, if he loses Kano in 2027, his influence will be too diminished to secure a major party ticket.
Keyamo Lists Kwankwaso’s Limited Options
Keyamo outlined three possible alliances — with the PDP, APC, or Labour Party — each with its own complications:
- PDP: Kwankwaso could return and take control of Kano’s structure, but the party’s zoning to the South would delay his ambition.
- APC: While still a viable option, the APC is not desperate for Kwankwaso, especially with Kano’s governor now aligned with the party.
- Labour Party: A partnership with Peter Obi is unlikely, as Kwankwaso would not accept a vice-presidential slot, nor would his northern base support extending power to the South.
Political Crossroads
Keyamo concluded, in the statement, that Kwankwaso faces a defining moment.
“The decision he makes now may retire him permanently from politics or revive his presidential ambition,” he said.
Without a strategic handshake with a major party, Kwankwaso risks becoming a “local champion” whose influence may soon vanish with the decline of NNPP.
