Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained the reasons behind his political alliance with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time programme, Kwankwaso said the partnership was influenced by historical political cooperation between Northern and South-East leaders, as well as Obi’s perceived competence and commitment to national development.
The former Kano State governor stated that the North was gradually returning to the political tradition established by former Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and former Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello during Nigeria’s First Republic.
He also referenced the cooperation that existed between former President Shehu Shagari and South-East political leaders during the Second Republic.
According to Kwankwaso, the South-East has historically maintained cordial political relations with the North and remains willing to collaborate for national progress.
“The people of the South East are friends of the North. They want to work together with us,” he said.
Kwankwaso further recalled his experience working with South-East leaders during his time in the National Assembly, describing the relationship as productive and cooperative.
He explained that the decision to work with Obi was not based solely on regional considerations but followed consultations among Northern political leaders on who could genuinely help move the country forward.
“But for me, it wasn’t just because we are going to the South East. No, I looked around together with our leadership in the North to ask who we think is capable, who can come and work honestly with us so that we can move this country forward,” he stated.
Kwankwaso added that after careful consideration, Obi emerged as the preferred choice among those involved in the consultations.
“And along the line, we realized that Peter Obi is at the forefront of it, and that’s why we all accepted to work together,” he added.
