Kwankwaso Speaks Out On Alleged Alliance With Peter Obi

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has denied claims that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are working in secret to undermine the opposition and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kwankwaso dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating that the NDC ticket was not designed to split opposition votes or benefit the ruling party.

He made the clarification in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, where he reacted to growing speculation about the Obi-Kwankwaso political alliance.

Using a Hausa proverb, Kwankwaso described critics of the alliance as being mischievous.

“If the person talking is a fool, then the person listening should be wise,” he said.

He maintained that the NDC remains focused on national development and is not in any way working for opposing political interests.

According to him, the party, though relatively new, has experienced rapid growth in membership within a short period.

“We are a new party, but our membership is advancing rapidly. In less than three months, we have attracted many members,” he said, adding that he and Obi share similar visions in areas such as education, agriculture, and human capital development.

Kwankwaso explained that their partnership is based on a shared commitment to providing a credible alternative leadership focused on national welfare and development.

Denies Hostility Between Opposition Camps

The former Kano State governor also dismissed claims of tension between his supporters and those of other opposition figures, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He said any perceived hostility between the groups was being fueled by mischief-makers.

“I have never directed my followers to attack Atiku, nor have I attacked him directly,” he said, adding that he believes Atiku would also discourage attacks from his supporters.

Clarifies “Spare Part” Comment

Kwankwaso also addressed backlash over his earlier description of the vice president’s office as a “spare part.”

He said Peter Obi had assured him that the role would not be ceremonial under their proposed administration.

“Obi himself publicly declared that he will not just relegate us to the side,” he said, noting that meaningful responsibilities would be assigned for effective governance.

On Power Rotation

Explaining his decision to accept the vice-presidential ticket, Kwankwaso said it was in line with Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement between the North and South.

“I agreed to be vice president because it is currently the turn of the South,” he said, adding that there was an understanding that power would rotate back to the North after the tenure.

He also expressed confidence that Obi would honour any agreement reached on a single-term arrangement.

“I believe Peter Obi, as a distinguished gentleman, will keep his word… and the presidency will move back to the North,” he added.