A senior official of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to win the 2027 Kano State governorship election, regardless of whether Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf remains with the party or defects to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This comes amid speculation about the governor’s political future, following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Johnson made these remarks on a television program, citing the party’s past performances in Kano State as evidence of its strength. He recalled the 2019 election, where the NNPP claimed victory before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the contest inconclusive, leading to Abdullahi Ganduje’s re-election. A similar scenario played out in 2023, when the NNPP again challenged the APC.
Johnson noted that Governor Yusuf is aware that he won the election despite the party not having the advantages of incumbency at the time. He emphasized that the NNPP’s success was achieved without the support of grassroots office holders, such as local councillors, yet the party still secured most of the seats.
The NNPP official stated that the party is not concerned about discussions surrounding the governor’s possible exit ahead of the next election cycle. He expressed strong belief that the party would retain Kano in 2027, with or without Yusuf, describing his confidence as a realistic assessment of the state’s political dynamics.
Johnson’s comments highlight the ongoing speculation about Governor Yusuf’s political future and the potential implications for the NNPP and the APC in Kano State. The governor’s meeting with President Tinubu has fueled rumors of a possible defection, which could significantly impact the political landscape in the state.
The NNPP’s performance in Kano State has been notable, given its ability to challenge the APC despite not having control of government structures. The party’s ability to secure seats without the support of local officials demonstrates its strength and popularity in the state. As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the NNPP’s confidence in its ability to retain Kano will likely be closely watched by political observers and analysts.
