Keyamo: Why Kwankwaso Has No Presidential Path in 2027

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has no realistic chance of securing a presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a detailed political assessment, Keyamo argued that Kwankwaso’s current political position leaves him “boxed into a corner,” with limited options across Nigeria’s major political parties. According to him, none of the dominant parties is favourably positioned to offer Kwankwaso a ticket in 2027.

Keyamo pointed out that both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are widely expected to zone their presidential tickets to the South in 2027, effectively shutting out major northern aspirants. He added that even if Kwankwaso were to seek entry into either party, internal power structures and zoning arrangements would work against him.

The minister also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative, claiming the party’s presidential structure is already tilted towards former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, leaving little or no space for Kwankwaso to emerge as its flagbearer.

On Kwankwaso’s current platform, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Keyamo described it as a largely regional party with limited national spread. He noted that recent defections and internal crises have further weakened the party, particularly in Kano State, which has traditionally been Kwankwaso’s political stronghold.

Keyamo argued that without firm control of Kano and a broader national structure, Kwankwaso lacks the leverage required to negotiate a strong alliance or command a national ticket in 2027. He added that any decision by Kwankwaso to support another northern presidential candidate could effectively end his own ambition for that election cycle.

While ruling out 2027, Keyamo suggested that Kwankwaso’s best political option may be to focus on rebuilding alliances ahead of 2031, if he hopes to remain relevant in the race for the presidency.

Kwankwaso and the NNPP have not officially responded to Keyamo’s comments, but the remarks have intensified debate over the former governor’s political future as early manoeuvring for the 2027 elections continues across party lines.