Fresh details have emerged around the 2027 political permutations, as allies of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso reveal he is open to accepting a vice-presidential role if it guarantees victory for the opposition.
The position comes at a time when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is battling internal crisis and rising ambitions ahead of the next general elections.
Kwankwaso’s camp insists the priority is to unseat the ruling government and stabilise the country’s democratic process.
Speaking during a recent interview, the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Saleh, said the former Kano governor is ready to take any position that will secure victory for the coalition. According to him, Kwankwaso’s interest goes beyond personal ambition.
“My principal has made it very clear to us all that we are joining this coalition simply to ensure that we contribute in any way possible to remove this present government of APC and Bola Ahmed Tinubu from power, so that democracy can survive and the nation can be saved.”
Saleh added that Kwankwaso has been working behind the scenes to build alliances and strengthen opposition unity across the country.
“He has been creating alliances, bringing people together and doing everything necessary to ensure that the party succeeds in its fight. He is ready to make the necessary sacrifice to achieve that goal.”
On the possibility of accepting a vice-presidential slot, Saleh made it clear that nothing is off the table if it leads to success.
“Be it that he is going to be given a slot as vice president or at whatever capacity, I believe that will work for the success of the coalition and the ADC.
“If he evaluates the arrangement and sees that it will bring victory and allow the party to succeed, my principal will take it. What matters most is success for Nigerians and for democracy.”
The comments come amid rising tensions within the ADC, where rival factions are laying claim to the party’s leadership. One bloc is linked to David Mark, while another is led by Nafiu Bala. The disagreement has deepened divisions within the party, especially following claims of expulsions and counter-claims of illegitimacy.
At the same time, the race for a possible presidential ticket within the opposition coalition is gathering momentum. Key figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Chibuike Amaechi are all being mentioned as strong contenders.
While Atiku recently downplayed the strength of other northern politicians, Saleh dismissed suggestions that Kwankwaso’s influence is limited to Kano State. He pointed to voting figures from the last election to argue that the former governor has support beyond his base.
“It is a serious understatement for anybody to say that the relevance of my principal is only in Kano. The figures from the last election clearly show otherwise.”
He noted that Kwankwaso secured significant votes outside Kano despite lacking strong political structures or backing from elected officials.
On the issue of a possible joint ticket involving northern candidates, Saleh ruled out such an arrangement, warning that it could further divide the country.
“I don’t think that is realistic. We must be sensitive enough to present a ticket that reflects balance between North and South.”
He added that many Nigerians are instead showing interest in a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, describing it as a combination that could unite different regions and political interests.
Meanwhile, the crisis within the ADC continues to cast doubt over the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
