In a recent interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, denied reports of any alliance or agreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi regarding the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso addressed growing speculations about a coalition being formed by leading opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.
He firmly dismissed the rumors as baseless, emphasizing that he has not met or engaged in discussions with Atiku or Obi in recent times.
Kwankwaso debunked claims that the trio had agreed on a rotational presidency arrangement, under which Atiku would serve a single term, followed by himself and then Obi.
He described such reports as “complete fabrications” and accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of orchestrating false narratives to manipulate public perception and the political landscape.
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“I heard from a source that PDP brought in scholars—about 45 of them—and claimed there was a consensus that Atiku will rule for four years, I will rule for another four years, and Peter Obi will rule for eight years. This is a complete lie and has no basis in reality,” Kwankwaso said.
He further criticized the PDP’s strategy of allegedly exploiting regional sentiments to secure votes, questioning their contributions to northern Nigeria and the motives behind their maneuvers.
Kwankwaso, who served as a minister of defense and was a prominent PDP member before leaving the party, expressed regret over the actions that led to his departure.
He cited internal instability, a lack of vision, and humiliating treatment as reasons for his exit alongside other notable figures, including Peter Obi and Nyesom Wike.
“We loved this party. We wanted to rejig it so that we could prosper. But they made us leave by force,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the PDP’s approach has continued to alienate key stakeholders.
He also hinted that any future political collaborations must be grounded in historical context and take into account past grievances.
Kwankwaso emphasized his decision to remain politically neutral for the time being, allowing governments at all levels to concentrate on governance without distractions.
He, however, indicated that his neutrality does not rule out future engagements, provided they align with principles of fairness and accountability.
Political analysts have interpreted Kwankwaso’s remarks as a strategic distancing from speculative alliances that could undermine his political brand. Dr. Yusuf Ali, a political science lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, commented:
“Kwankwaso is positioning himself as a figure of integrity, separate from the perceived opportunism of the PDP and other political actors. This could strengthen his appeal among northern voters who value authenticity and transparency.”
Dr. Iniobong Akpan, another political analyst, suggested that Kwankwaso’s criticism of the PDP reflects broader dissatisfaction among former members who feel alienated by the party’s leadership.
“The PDP faces a major challenge in mending fences with estranged leaders like Kwankwaso if it hopes to regain its footing before 2027,” Akpan noted.
While Kwankwaso’s statements cast doubt on the likelihood of an imminent opposition alliance, they also highlight the fluid and complex nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.
As 2027 approaches, the positioning of key figures like Kwankwaso will likely play a critical role in shaping the country’s electoral dynamics.
