Former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to work with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Peter Obi, or other political leaders in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made this known while addressing journalists on recent developments within the Nigerian opposition bloc.
He explained that Nigeria’s political climate requires unity among credible leaders who share a vision of rescuing the country from its current socio-economic challenges.
“We are open to working with anyone — Jonathan, Peter Obi, or any other patriotic Nigerian — who genuinely wants to move this country forward,” Kwankwaso said.
“The most important thing now is not about party differences, but about competence, integrity, and shared vision.”
Open to Alliances, But on Clear Terms
The NNPP leader, however, stated that any potential alliance or merger would only be considered if built on mutual respect, trust, and clearly defined goals.
He emphasised that past political collaborations often failed due to insincerity and lack of structure, warning that such mistakes must not be repeated.
“Nigeria has reached a stage where we must rise above personal ambition. But any partnership must be sincere and properly structured. I have no issue working with anyone, provided we agree on principles, not convenience,” he said.
Kwankwaso also hinted at ongoing informal consultations among key opposition figures, noting that discussions were at preliminary stages but aimed at presenting a formidable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Rekindled Talks with Peter Obi
His latest statement reignites speculation about a possible political alignment between the NNPP and the Labour Party (LP), whose presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, continues to enjoy a strong support base, especially among young voters and urban professionals.
Both men were involved in alliance talks before the 2023 elections, but the discussions collapsed over disagreements concerning power sharing and candidate placement.
Kwankwaso’s latest comments appear to reopen that conversation, though he was careful to stress that “the interest of Nigerians must come first.”
Unity Talks Beyond the South and North
Kwankwaso also mentioned the need for broader collaboration that transcends ethnic and regional lines, saying Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders who can bridge historical divides.
“We must work together — North, South, East, and West. The country needs a balanced leadership that represents everyone. That is the only way forward,” he said.
Political Analysts React
Political observers say Kwankwaso’s remarks could mark the beginning of renewed coalition moves among opposition parties seeking to unseat the APC. Some analysts believe that a united front involving Obi, Kwankwaso, and possibly former President Jonathan could reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027.
However, others caution that while the idea of a merger is appealing, reconciling competing ambitions and ideological differences remains a major challenge.
Background
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence and two-term governor of Kano State, contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP and emerged fourth.
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His party has since maintained a modest but influential presence in northern Nigeria, with a growing focus on national expansion ahead of the next polls.
