The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that the 2027 presidential ambition of former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is no longer viable.
Keyamo made the claim on Sunday in a statement shared through his official X handle. He attributed his position to existing party zoning arrangements, the declining strength of the NNPP in Kano State, and Kwankwaso’s failure to secure an early alliance with a major political party ahead of the next general election.
According to the minister, Kwankwaso turned down what he described as “an olive branch” previously offered by the All Progressives Congress, APC, a decision he said has left the former governor isolated at a time when political coalitions are already taking shape for 2027.
“Kwankwaso boxed himself into a corner by rejecting opportunities when they mattered,” the minister said.
“Today, the political space has shifted, and there is no major party ready to accommodate his presidential ambition in 2027.”
Keyamo also questioned the electoral strength of the NNPP, stating that the party lacks the nationwide structure required to win a presidential contest. He warned that the party’s influence in Kano State is weakening due to ongoing defections.
“NNPP is a one-state party, and even that state is slipping,” he stated.
“Once Kano goes, the illusion of national relevance disappears.”
The minister dismissed the likelihood of a North–North alliance ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that Kwankwaso would not support another Northern presidential candidate, as such a move would effectively end his own ambition.
“He cannot back a Northern candidate and then wait another 16 years for power to rotate,” He said.
“That calculation alone has shut the door on cooperation with Atiku.”
Keyamo further argued that Kwankwaso’s remaining political options offer no room for a 2027 presidential bid. He said a return to the Peoples Democratic Party, a move to the APC, or alignment with the Labour Party would all require Kwankwaso to drop his ambition.
“No party will mortgage its structure for him at this stage,” he said.
“The era where Kwankwaso dictated terms is over.”
While noting that 2031 could still present an opportunity, the minister said such a prospect depends entirely on Kwankwaso retaining political control of Kano State in 2027.
“If he loses Kano, he loses everything,” he added.
“That would reduce him to a regional footnote in national politics.”
Keyamo concluded by warning that the former governor’s next political decision could determine his future relevance.
“This is not analysis for comfort,” the minister said.
“It is a warning. The next move Kwankwaso makes may decide whether he remains relevant or retires from politics altogether.”
