Kano Politics in Turmoil: Governor spokesperson alleges Kwankwaso working for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

Fresh political tension has erupted in Kano State following allegations by the state government that former governor and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is secretly working to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The accusation was made on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano State Government House, during a live television interview on ARISE News.

The claims have further deepened political divisions within Kano, Nigeria’s most populous northern state, and intensified speculation over shifting alliances ahead of the next general election.

Bature alleged that Kwankwaso, a key opposition figure and leader of the Kwankwasiyya political movement, is indirectly weakening opposition forces to the benefit of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“There are people who are working for Tinubu directly and indirectly. Kwankwaso is working for Tinubu behind the scenes for 2027,” he said. “Kwankwaso has successfully thrown the opposition into disarray.”

He further claimed that recent political realignments and defections linked to Kwankwaso’s camp were strategically designed to prevent a unified opposition challenge to President Tinubu.

The spokesperson also made additional allegations regarding alleged behind-the-scenes consultations involving Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the presidency.

According to him, discussions were held with President Tinubu over a possible defection move to the APC, which he claimed had Kwankwaso’s approval as part of a broader political strategy.

He also referenced former deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as being part of the alleged internal alignment process.

Bature dismissed reports suggesting a potential political alliance between Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

He described the idea of a joint ticket as unrealistic, citing ideological differences and political structure challenges.

“A Peter Obi-Kwankwaso ticket in Kano is strange,” he said, arguing that such an arrangement would not be acceptable within Kano’s political environment.

The government spokesperson also questioned claims of Kwankwaso’s grassroots support, dismissing reports of massive crowds at his political gatherings as exaggerated.

He argued that even large venues in Kano could not accommodate the numbers being circulated by supporters.

As of Wednesday evening, Kwankwaso’s media team had yet to respond to the allegations.

The controversy marks a significant escalation in political hostilities within Kano State and adds a new layer of uncertainty to opposition alignment strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.