Kwankwaso 2027 VP Offer Not an Insult, Says NNPP’s Ladipo Johnson Amid Alliance Talks

A prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, has described recent speculations surrounding a potential alliance between President Bola Tinubu and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as politically valid and not demeaning. Johnson’s remarks came during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, where he addressed growing political whispers that the former presidential candidate may be offered the vice-presidency in the 2027 general elections.

Johnson, who has been closely associated with Kwankwaso since 2013, emphasized that such an offer should not be viewed as an insult but rather as a strategic political calculation aimed at shaping the future of Nigerian governance.

Kwankwaso’s Openness to Strategic Alliances

According to Johnson, Kwankwaso has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue with political players who share his vision for national development. He noted that after the 2023 general elections, the NNPP and its leadership were open to collaborating with any party committed to meaningful progress and inclusive governance.

“There are always possibilities in politics,” Johnson remarked. “Senator Kwankwaso has never shut the door on discussions. Since 2023, we’ve reiterated that we’re open to talks with anyone who’s serious about moving Nigeria forward.”

He went further to explain that representatives from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had reached out to him directly, expressing interest in the idea of Kwankwaso joining a political ticket with President Tinubu. While Johnson refrained from disclosing the identity of those individuals, he confirmed that the discussions were preliminary and informal.

“Yes, people from the APC have reached out,” Johnson revealed. “They told me things like, ‘If he is offered the vice-presidency, please encourage him to accept.’ But at the end of the day, decisions of this magnitude are collective. Politics is a team game.”

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Addressing those who viewed the idea of Kwankwaso being offered the number two position as a slight, Johnson dismissed such narratives. He clarified that political roles should not be seen through the lens of pride but through their potential to effect change.

“It’s not insulting to offer him (the VP slot); whether he accepts or not is a different matter entirely,” Johnson said. “We have to understand that politics is about negotiating the future, not clinging to past titles. Kwankwaso is a pragmatic leader—he focuses on what’s possible and what’s best for the country.”

He reiterated that any discussions about alliance formation or power-sharing arrangements would be subject to broader consultations within the NNPP hierarchy, highlighting that no final decisions had been made.

2027 and the Emerging Political Landscape

As Nigeria gradually pivots toward the 2027 general elections, realignments are already beginning to form across the political spectrum. The potential inclusion of Kwankwaso on a unity ticket with Tinubu is being viewed by analysts as a strategic attempt to bridge regional and ideological divides—especially in northern Nigeria, where Kwankwaso commands a significant following.

While no formal announcement has been made, Johnson’s public acknowledgment of the overtures adds weight to the possibility of future collaborations. It also signals that the NNPP is not completely closing off conversations with rival political parties, especially those in power.

For many observers, a Tinubu-Kwankwaso alliance would be one of the most consequential political arrangements in recent Nigerian history, possibly altering the dynamics of northern votes and affecting the internal power structures of both the APC and NNPP.

Final Decision Lies Ahead

While Johnson confirmed the existence of overtures from the APC, he stressed that the final decision on whether to accept any alliance or political role rests with Kwankwaso and the collective decision-making bodies within the NNPP.

“It’s a matter of principle, teamwork, and vision,” Johnson stated. “If there is a genuine proposal that aligns with our values and agenda for a better Nigeria, we will consider it. But it will never be about positions alone—it’s always about purpose.”

As the political terrain continues to shift ahead of 2027, Kwankwaso remains a key figure to watch. Whether he chooses to remain at the helm of the NNPP or become part of a broader national coalition, his influence is poised to play a significant role in the evolving story of Nigeria’s democracy.