Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, has appealed to northern leaders and politicians to unite in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027. He highlighted the strategic importance of securing the presidency for the North in the 2031 elections.
Kwankwaso argued that endorsing Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima would facilitate a smoother transition of power back to the North following the president’s second term in office.
During a press briefing in Kano, he expressed his concerns regarding the divisive rhetoric and criticisms directed at President Tinubu from certain factions within the Northern region, calling these divisive efforts harmful to the long-term interests of the area.
“Patriotic politicians from the North must resist the temptation to support alternative candidates from the South,” Kwankwaso asserted. “Should another candidate secure victory in 2027, the North might face a prolonged wait of eight years before power returns to us.”
He dismissed suggestions that the current security issues in the country should deter support for Tinubu, recognizing the president’s continuous efforts to combat armed banditry and unrest, especially in Northern regions.
Kwankwaso commended the recent initiatives taken by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in addressing banditry in the North and Northwest, emphasizing the need for northern politicians to come together in support of the Tinubu administration.
He also addressed speculation surrounding former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso potentially running for vice president alongside a Southern candidate, advising against such a move, as it would only prolong the North’s return to power until 2035.
In closing, he urged northerners to rally behind Tinubu, stating, “The greatest support we can offer President Tinubu is our unity, prayers, and collective efforts to foster peace across the nation.”
