RismadarVoice Reporters
January 25, 2026
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has boxed himself into what he described as one of the tightest corners of his political career over his refusal or indecision to accept an earlier political olive branch from the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Keyamo made the assertion in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that he had always admired Engr. Mohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from a distance, but argued that recent political developments had significantly narrowed the former governor’s options ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to the minister, Kwankwaso’s presidential ambition lies at the centre of his current political dilemma.
“Kwankwaso wants to be President, but none of the major political parties will pick him as a candidate in 2027,” Keyamo said, arguing that both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are likely to field southern candidates, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket is, in his view, Atiku Abubakar’s to lose.
He further contended that only a major political party could realistically win a presidential election in Nigeria.
Keyamo also dismissed the strength of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), describing it as a one-state party whose influence may further decline following recent defections, including that of the Kano State Governor.
“NNPP is still a one-State Party, and with the recent wave of defections from NNPP, it is doubtful if it can maintain its grip on Kano in 2027. A leader is only as strong as his devoted lieutenants,” he said.
The Minister argued that Kwankwaso would be unwilling to support a northern presidential candidate in 2027, as doing so would effectively end his own presidential ambition.
According to him, backing a northern candidate would mean Kwankwaso might have to wait another 16 years for a northern presidency and another eight years for a possible southern rotation before having another chance at the office.
“That is a gamble he will not take,” Keyamo said, adding that such a scenario effectively rules out any Atiku–Kwankwaso alliance in 2027.
Keyamo further stated that, based on prevailing political realities, 2031 appears to be Kwankwaso’s most realistic presidential window, but warned that decisions taken in 2027 would be critical to his future ambitions.
“If his grip on Kano slips in 2027, it will water down his clout and influence in 2031 to be handed a presidential ticket by any of the major political parties,” he added.
He concluded that the former Governor’s ability to retain political control of Kano State in 2027 would largely determine his relevance and bargaining power in future national political calculations.
