Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, has indicated that he may consider running alongside Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, in the 2027 elections.
This development has generated significant interest following Kwankwaso’s statements in a video clip that went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso hinted that he might be open to taking the deputy role in a potential alliance with Peter Obi, but emphasized that certain conditions would need to be met before any such arrangement could materialize.
Kwankwaso, known for his influence in Kano and Northern Nigeria, expressed confidence in his political stature, asserting that he is “bigger” than Obi in the political landscape.
He pointed to his accomplishments as governor and his higher academic qualifications, stating:
“I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically. I’m his elder brother, I’m a PhD holder, I performed better than him when I was a governor of my state.
“I have no problem with deputizing Peter Obi, but only if certain conditions are met.”
Peter Obi, representing the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, secured a strong showing by winning the majority vote in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
He finished third in the overall vote count, with approximately 6,101,533 votes, due to his growing influence and appeal, particularly among youth and urban voters.
Kwankwaso, on the other hand, garnered substantial support in his home state of Kano, where he won in 38 of the 44 local government areas, collecting a total of 1,496,687 votes.
While his national vote tally was lower than Obi’s, Kwankwaso’s strong regional presence positions him as a formidable political figure, particularly in the North.
Kwankwaso’s remarks suggest a willingness to engage in discussions with Peter Obi about a potential alliance for 2027, but he stressed the importance of building trust between both sides.
He acknowledged the need for real negotiations and emphasized that his decision would hinge on specific conditions being met.
“We are willing to engage in discussions, provided that trust is established,” Kwankwaso stated.
If Kwankwaso and Obi do decide to ally for the 2027 elections, it could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
A joint ticket combining Kwankwaso’s influence in the North with Obi’s popularity in the South and among younger voters could present a formidable challenge to the two dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, much remains uncertain. Political experts say the success of such an alliance will depend on the resolution of key issues, particularly the establishment of mutual trust and the meeting of Kwankwaso’s stated conditions.
