A former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has revealed why he decided to align politically with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Kwankwaso said he and northern political leaders carefully evaluated potential allies before concluding that Obi was the most suitable person to work with in moving the country forward.
According to him, the alliance was formed after consultations with northern stakeholders who believed Obi possessed the leadership qualities needed for the 2027 presidential race.
“I looked around together with our leadership in the north to say, okay, who do we think is capable? Who can come and work together with us honestly so that we can move this country? Along the line, we realised that Peter Obi is at the forefront of it. That’s why we all accepted to work together,” he said.
Kwankwaso dismissed speculations that there could be an internal rivalry between both camps, arguing that political conflicts between leaders and their deputies usually arise from greed rather than structural issues.
“The problem people are having, especially leaders, is that they are too greedy to the extent that they begin to have issues. There is so much to do. You don’t have to fight your deputy,” he stated.
The former governor pointed to his experience as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and governor of Kano State, saying he maintained stable working relationships throughout his years in office.
He explained that his administration in Kano successfully worked with his deputy governor for eight years, adding that leadership positions should focus on service rather than competition.
Kwankwaso also referenced past political alliances between northern and southeastern leaders, describing the current partnership with Obi as a continuation of Nigeria’s political history.
He cited the collaboration between former Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and leaders of the NCNC during the First Republic, as well as the relationship between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme in the Second Republic.
According to him, the partnership is not based solely on regional politics but on competence and shared goals.
“It wasn’t just because we are going to the South-East. We realised that Peter Obi is at the forefront of it and that’s why we all accepted to work together,” he added.
Kwankwaso and Obi recently joined the National Democratic Coalition following their departure from their former political platforms.
Their alliance is already generating significant political attention, with several lawmakers and political groups reportedly aligning with the new movement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political observers believe the partnership combines Kwankwaso’s strong northern grassroots influence with Obi’s nationwide youth support and urban appeal, positioning the coalition as a major opposition force against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
