Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, has expressed willingness to serve as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 elections, provided specific conditions are met. In a recently circulated video on X (formerly Twitter), the former governor of Kano State made the declaration while speaking in Hausa, highlighting his openness to negotiations with Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last elections.
Kwankwaso, who described himself as politically stronger than Obi, emphasized that he would only agree to the deputy role if trust and key conditions were established. “I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically; I’m his elder brother, I’m a PhD holder, and I performed better than him when I was a governor of my state. I’ve no problem with deputising Peter Obi, but only if certain conditions are met,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further mentioned that discussions between both parties could take place ahead of the 2027 presidential elections if a solid agreement is reached.
In the 2023 elections, Peter Obi garnered around 6,101,533 votes, placing third. Kwankwaso, meanwhile, won in 38 out of 44 local government areas in Kano State, securing a total of 1,496,687 votes.
Kwankwaso has been vocal in his criticism of the current Bola Tinubu-led administration, particularly regarding the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano State. He accused the government of politicizing the process, alleging that rice meant for the people of Kano was handed over to All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and cronies.
In a post on X, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating, “For the last week, I have been in Kano, and sadly, I noted with great disappointment the Federal Government distribution of rice palliative to 35 states through their Governors, except Kano State in the whole federation. Kano’s share was handed over to APC stalwarts to handle. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy.”
Kwankwaso urged President Tinubu to stop what he called the “derailment of democracy,” insisting that the partisan handling of palliatives should end.
The federal government had distributed rice to states as part of palliatives aimed at easing the economic hardships and food inflation affecting the country.
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