Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of Kano State’s Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, believes President Bola Tinubu will defeat former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in the state’s presidential election in 2027.
Jibrin made the forecast on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, when addressing the Kano political fight leading up to the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of the state, is the running partner to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform.
Jibrin, who previously worked closely with Kwankwaso but is now a member of Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that his understanding of the former governor’s political structure and techniques will help the APC counter his influence in the polls.
Speaking on whether Tinubu could defeat Kwankwaso in Kano, Jibrin said, “He will because many of us know the dynamics, his strategies, how he operates, the Kwankwasiyya movement, their strengths, and their weaknesses; we are all here, and we know how we will be able to deal with that situation.”
He, however, acknowledged that Kwankwaso remained a formidable political force in the state, warning that the contest would not be an easy one for the APC.
“We know him very, very well; we know his strategy, he is still influential, and he has a supporter base in Kano. Whoever tells you he doesn’t have a supporter base is not telling you the truth. So, it’s going to be a tough battle,” he said.
Jibrin stated that the configuration of the 2027 presidential contest would work in Tinubu’s favor because Kwankwaso would be contesting as a vice-presidential candidate rather than seeking the presidency himself.
“There is a difference between Kwankwaso being on the ballot as a presidential candidate and being on the ballot as a running mate. There is a sharp difference; they are completely two different things,” he said.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s presidential candidacy might have had a huge impact on Kano’s political dynamics.
“If Kwankwaso were on the ballot as a presidential candidate, the dynamics in Kano might be different, but he is not the presidential candidate,” Jibrin added.
The lawmaker also spoke on his political relationship with Kwankwaso, saying his decision to oppose his former ally was not motivated by personal animosity.
Jibrin stated that he remained grateful for the support Kwankwaso gave him when he was building his political career.
“Of course he gave me a push in politics, and I appreciate everything, and I have said repeatedly, I will continue to respect him, and I will never join issues with him,” he said.
He mentioned that both politicians had changed political allegiances over time.
“We all changed parties and loyalties; he himself has changed party,” Jibrin added.
