Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained the reasons behind his political alliance with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday.
According to the former Kano State governor, the alliance reflects a political tradition of cooperation between northern and southeastern leaders, similar to what existed during Nigeria’s early post-independence years.
He referenced the relationship between Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and northern political leader Ahmadu Bello, saying the North is returning to that style of political engagement.
Kwankwaso also recalled that during the Second Republic, former President Shehu Shagari worked closely with political figures from the South East.
He described the people of the South East as longstanding allies of the North and expressed confidence in the possibility of productive collaboration.
“From my experience as former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, I had the opportunity to work with my Speaker, and we worked very well,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that the decision to work with Obi was based on competence and trust rather than regional considerations.
“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.
“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 stated.
