Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, on Friday met with the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Abuja amid growing speculation over Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two political figures were sighted together after Jumaat prayers at a mosque in Abuja. El-Rufai, who was accompanied by his eldest son, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, exchanged pleasantries with the former Kano governor.
The meeting comes amid recent rumours that Kwankwaso has finalised a deal with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that would see him, along with his political base, return to the APC. It is believed that such a move would all but secure Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP, has been a central figure in the opposition. His potential defection will certainly weaken the proposed opposition coalition unveiled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in March.
The coalition is aimed at unseating Tinubu in the next election with key opposition leaders expected to be united for the election. However, recent developments, including the defection of Atiku’s former running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC, have cast doubts over its viability.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai is allegedly a key personality in the proposed coalition. Following reports of his exclusion from the Tinubu administration despite his role in the president’s electoral victory, he has since been named among political figures allegedly working to challenge Tinubu in 2027.