Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and a close ally of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed any chances of the former Kano State governor aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Galadima described any such alliance as highly unlikely, citing alleged antagonism from the Tinubu-led federal government toward Kwankwaso and the Kano State Government.
“It will be extremely difficult for Kwankwaso to support Tinubu in 2027,” Galadima said.
“This is someone who stood his ground and defeated APC in Kano. He hasn’t told me, nor has he told anyone close to him, that he plans to support Tinubu.”
Galadima criticized the Tinubu administration for what he called federal interference in Kano’s traditional leadership, specifically its support for Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, despite his removal by the Kano State Government led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, a Kwankwaso protégé.
“The federal government is clearly backing their preferred emir. They’ve deployed over 40 police vehicles to guard him. What’s their interest?” he asked.
“There’s now a federal emir and a state emir — two emirs in one city? This is a constitutional aberration. The power to appoint and pay emirs lies with the state, not Abuja.”
He also took issue with federal courts intervening in what he described as a purely chieftaincy matter, questioning the legal and political motivations behind recent court rulings.
Galadima denied any backchannel talks between the NNPP and the APC, insisting that such discussions would not happen without his knowledge.
“Maybe I’m not the closest to him, but we talk often, and he’s never mentioned anything about aligning with Tinubu,” he said.
He further emphasized Kwankwaso’s grassroots appeal in Kano, noting that the former governor’s popularity stems from his tangible achievements and direct connection with the people.
“Kano people trust him because they’ve seen what he has done. That’s why he remains politically relevant.”
While Galadima said the NNPP has not finalized its strategy for the next general election, he hinted that the party intends to play a major role.
“Wherever you see us in 2027, know that’s where the next government will come from.”
