RismadarVoice Reporters
May 20, 2026
The Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sunusi Tofa, has alleged that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is indirectly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s possible re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tofa made the claim on Wednesday while speaking on the Arise News morning programme, where he commented on emerging political realignments and activities ahead of the next election cycle.
According to him, several political moves and behind-the-scenes engagements involving opposition figures could eventually strengthen Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
He argued that some of Kwankwaso’s political strategies and alliances appear to align with the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Kano government spokesperson also alleged that Governor Abba Yusuf had approached President Tinubu regarding a possible defection to the APC with Kwankwaso’s approval. He further claimed that the move reportedly had the support of former Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo.
Tofa also expressed doubts about the political prospects of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Kano State, stating that the state’s political culture and ideological leanings may not favour him.
In addition, he dismissed reports claiming that about five million supporters attended a recent gathering at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, describing the figure as unrealistic.
According to him, even the largest public venues in Kano could not accommodate such a crowd, adding that Kwankwaso’s residence has a limited capacity.
Attempts to get Kwankwaso’s reaction to the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in Northern Nigeria and leads the Kwankwasiyya movement, a strong political bloc known for its red cap symbol.
He contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), winning significant support in Kano State though he did not secure victory nationally.
His political structure was also credited with helping Governor Abba Yusuf emerge victorious in the 2023 Kano governorship election under the NNPP platform.
However, recent developments have sparked speculation of growing tension between Kwankwaso and the Kano State Government, particularly over issues relating to governance, appointments and political direction.
