A strategic political merger is being touted within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a key to securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with Chief Sam Nkire, a founding member of the party, publicly calling for the return of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), to the APC fold.
Nkire framed Kwankwaso’s potential defection not just as an advantage, but as the decisive factor for victory. “Although Tinubu may win in 2027, Kwankwaso’s inclusion will just nail the coffin,” he stated.
Highlighting a history of behind-the-scenes negotiations, Nkire recalled a 2014 effort to secure Tinubu’s support for Kwankwaso’s presidential bid against Muhammadu Buhari. On that occasion, Tinubu declined, telling the delegation, “I’m sorry, I have given my word to General Buhari.”
Nkire now believes the circumstances are ripe for a deal, citing the long-standing friendship between the two politicians.
“President Tinubu should not have a problem reaching an agreement with Kwankwaso, being long-time friends and knowing the reason why Kwankwaso left the APC in the first place,” he added.
Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s negotiation skills, Nkire suggested that a successful alliance would signal that the 2027 presidency will be a product of a major political realignment, born from “either a merger, a coalition, or a collaboration.”
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