ABUJA — The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has delivered a scathing political forecast for former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, declaring that the NNPP leader has “boxed himself into the tightest corner of his career” and has no viable route to the presidency in 2027.

In a comprehensive analysis released on Sunday, Keyamo argued that Kwankwaso’s indecision and refusal to accept earlier political alliances have left him stranded on a crumbling platform, facing a stark choice between political extinction or a long wait until 2031.

Keyamo dissected the political landscape, insisting that the doors to Aso Rock are firmly shut against Kwankwaso for the next election cycle due to zoning arrangements and party structures.

• Keyamo noted that both APC and PDP are zoning their tickets to the South, leaving no room for a Northern candidate like Kwankwaso.
• He dismissed the ADC as an option, claiming “Atiku is the owner of ADC,” and warned that Kwankwaso cannot afford to support a Northern candidate (like Atiku) in 2027.“Kwankwaso will not support a Northern candidate because… he may have to wait for another 16 years. That’s a gamble he WILL NOT TAKE. He will be 86 years old by then.”

Keyamo did not mince words regarding the state of Kwankwaso’s party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). With the reported rift between Kwankwaso and the Kano State Governor, Keyamo argued that the party is losing its only stronghold.

“NNPP is still a one-State Party, and with the recent wave of defections… it is doubtful if it can maintain its grip on Kano in 2027.”

Addressing speculation about a merger with the Labour Party, Keyamo was categorical:

“The 2027 Labour Party option for Kwankwaso is narrower because he simply cannot and will not run as Vice-Presidential candidate to Peter Obi. Take that to the bank.”

Keyamo concluded that Kwankwaso’s only realistic hope is to position himself for 2031, but warned that without a handshake with a major party now, he risks becoming irrelevant.

“Just like late Buhari and the CPC, without a handshake with another major Party, he will remain a local champion with his NNPP, but that too may soon vanish.”