Abuja, Nigeria — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano state governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Photos of the meeting quickly went viral across social media platforms and were later confirmed by TheCable, fueling fresh speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Context: Previous meetings and speculated alliance
This latest meeting follows an earlier closed-door discussion reportedly held in France in May 2025, where Tinubu and Kwankwaso spent nearly four hours discussing a potential role for the former minister in the current administration.
Political insiders suggest the talks may be part of wider plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen its base ahead of the next election cycle.
Ganduje’s exit intensifies intrigue
Kwankwaso’s meeting with Tinubu comes amid reports that Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC national chairman and Kwankwaso’s long-time political rival, has resigned his position allegedly to pave the way for Kwankwaso’s entry into the ruling party.
Ganduje, who succeeded Kwankwaso as Kano governor, has had a famously bitter feud with him, making it difficult for both to coexist under the same political platform.
Yet, Kwankwaso’s influence cannot be overlooked. In the 2023 elections, he led the NNPP to a sweeping victory in Kano, winning virtually all state and federal legislative seats — a feat that solidified his status as a major political force ahead of 2027.
Shettima vs. Kwankwaso? Rumors of a new running mate
Adding to the political intrigue are recent unconfirmed reports alleging tension between Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Tinubu. Some reports claim Tinubu might consider dropping Shettima in favor of Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 elections.
Although APC insiders have dismissed these rumors, analysts believe the emerging Atiku Abubakar-led coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, is leveraging this speculation to challenge Tinubu’s hold on power.
Notably, the ADC recently appointed Rauf Aregbesola, a former ally of Tinubu, as its interim national secretary — a move seen by some as symbolic of shifting political loyalties.
NNPP chieftain urges Nigerians to demand accountability
Meanwhile, NNPP chieftain Olufemi Ajadi has urged Nigerians to reject any politician or party that failed to fulfil campaign promises from the 2023 elections.
Ajadi, who contested the Ogun governorship seat, lamented the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country despite pre-election pledges, calling on voters to demand accountability as the 2027 polls draw closer.
“Despite all the grand promises made to Nigerians, we are still grappling with hardship and unfulfilled commitments. It is time citizens vote based on integrity and track record,” he said.
What this means for 2027
Kwankwaso’s meeting with Tinubu has further fueled speculation about a major political shake-up as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections. Analysts believe the coming months could see realignments and new alliances that may reshape the country’s political landscape.
