Kwankwaso Fires Back at Atiku Over Northern Popularity Claim, Says 2027 Election Will Be the Real Test

Former Kano State Governor and presidential hopeful, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has responded sharply to remarks by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently questioned the reach of Kwankwaso’s political influence beyond Kano State.

Kwankwaso, speaking on Monday during an interview on Arise Television Prime Time programme, urged Atiku to exercise patience and allow the 2027 general elections to determine the true balance of political strength in northern Nigeria.

“Let the election decide,” Kwankwaso says

The exchange follows Atiku’s recent assertion that Kwankwaso’s popularity is largely confined to Kano. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, had argued that his own political reach across the North remains unmatched.

He stated that among prominent northern politicians—including Kwankwaso, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and others—none commands a stronger electoral base than himself.

Reacting, Kwankwaso dismissed the claim as premature and politically speculative.

“Let’s wait and see the election. I have no issue with that, and I think we have gone past that level now,” he said.

He added that political comparisons should be left to the ballot box, not public declarations.

“You see, anybody who is talking about or asking questions about whether our votes will split in Kano is being impatient. Let’s wait for the election and see whether our votes are split in Kano or not,” he added.

Political alignments and subtle messaging

Kwankwaso also referenced current political realignments, noting that he and Atiku are now operating under different platforms. He said his camp is aligned with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), while Atiku is associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Despite their political differences, Kwankwaso emphasized that there was no personal animosity between them.

“We are in the NDC for now, and I know they are in the ADC. I wish them well,” he said.

Background to the rivalry

Atiku’s comments had reignited debate over political dominance in northern Nigeria ahead of the next election cycle, with analysts frequently comparing the influence of key figures such as Kwankwaso, Atiku, and other emerging regional power brokers.

Kwankwaso’s response signals an early escalation of political positioning as actors begin subtle groundwork ahead of 2027, even as formal campaigns are yet to commence.

For now, both camps appear focused on building alliances and consolidating support, but Kwankwaso insists the final verdict will come only at the polls.