Kwankwaso Accuses Northern Leaders of Interfering in Candidate Selection Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused certain Northern leaders of spreading falsehoods and interfering in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general elections, particularly the presidential race.

Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, expressed concerns about the actions of these leaders, stating that their claims of representing the region were divisive and detrimental to democracy.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso emphasized that the role of leaders should not involve manipulating the democratic process or endorsing unqualified candidates.

“This oppressive thing they are doing is causing discord in the community. Whatever you do, do it based on the truth,” Kwankwaso said.

He criticized some elders in the North for allegedly showing favoritism in the selection of candidates and misleading the public.

“The elders, some of them are our parents and some of them are brothers, especially in this area, here in the North, shouldn’t show favoritism in bringing out candidates,” he said.

According to Kwankwaso, certain individuals spread false narratives, claiming that the North has agreed on specific candidates, while failing to promote qualified leaders.

“All these people are not more than two or three, but you see a man going and saying lies instead of going to Port Harcourt or Abuja to promote us, who are their children, but then they go and show favoritism,” he added.

Denies Alleged Pact with Atiku and Obi
Kwankwaso also dismissed rumors of a purported agreement between himself, former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

The alleged agreement reportedly suggested that Atiku would serve as president for one term, followed by Kwankwaso and Obi.

However, Kwankwaso denied the existence of such an arrangement, labeling the claims as baseless.

“This issue really hurts me. It is said that the elders are lying; they are saying things that have not been done.

“I was told that about forty-five Mallams were gathered, and they are telling the people. But there is no such thing.

“They were told that I agreed that Atiku will serve for four years, I will also serve for four, and Peter Obi will serve for eight years.

This pact does not exist; it has not been made,” Kwankwaso clarified.

Kwankwaso urged Northern leaders to refrain from interfering in the democratic process and allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates.

He also called for truth and transparency to guide the political process ahead of the 2027 elections.