Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that he is open to working with any political party willing to present him as presidential or vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), said the Kwankwasiyya Movement remained open to political alliances, but stressed that such partnerships must be anchored on shared ideology and clear agreement on leadership position.

According to him, he would only align with political groups that are ready to place him in either the number one or number two position on the ballot.

“What we are hoping for is to meet with people who share similar ideology — people who will agree that I become number one or number two on the train,” he said.

Kwankwaso spoke in Kano while addressing supporters and party stakeholders amid growing speculations over a possible defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He warned that should Governor Yusuf decide to leave the NNPP, he must relinquish his seat, noting that the party would otherwise lose its only sitting governor.

“If you have 30 governors, why must you take the Kano State governor? Is he yours? He is the only one left for us in the Government House,” Kwankwaso said.

“Those instigating him should tell him to drop the governorship for us and go, since the position is not meant for only one person.”

Describing the political situation in Kano as disturbing, Kwankwaso said the unfolding events felt like a nightmare and urged those fueling the crisis to reconsider their actions in the interest of the state.

“What is happening is surprising, just like a nightmare. I wish I was asleep and when I wake up, I will discover that what is happening is not true,” he said.

He revealed that he had been engaging key stakeholders behind the scenes to prevent what he described as a dangerous political path that would not benefit the people of Kano.

Kwankwaso stressed that the NNPP-led government in the state still had time to deliver dividends of democracy, calling for unity among party members and political actors.

“This is not the time to fight among ourselves. It is time to move forward. Some people are just looking for excuses to leave,” he added.

He dismissed claims that the NNPP was weak in Kano, insisting that the party remained the dominant political force in the state.

“One will say our party is small. In Kano, which party is bigger than NNPP?” he asked.

Kwankwaso also cautioned the APC leadership against underestimating Kano State.

“Tell them in Abuja that they are playing with Kano. They should be very careful. Kano must be treated with caution,” he warned.