Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate from the 2023 elections, has expressed his openness to serve as a running mate to Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso mentioned his willingness to accept the role, but emphasized that “certain conditions must be met” for such an arrangement to happen. In a recently circulated video clip on social media, the northern politician highlighted the importance of trust in any potential partnership between the two.
Kwankwaso also asserted his political experience, claiming he is “politically bigger” than Obi, attributing this to his PhD qualification and his achievements as a governor. “I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically. I’m his elder brother, a PhD holder, and I outperformed him during my time as a governor. I have no issue deputizing for him, but only if certain conditions are met,” Kwankwaso stated. He added, “We are open to discussions as long as trust is firmly established.”
Both Kwankwaso and Obi remain influential opposition figures in Nigerian politics. In the 2023 elections, Peter Obi dominated the polls in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), securing about 6,101,533 votes, while Kwankwaso led in 38 out of 44 local government areas in Kano State, amassing 1,496,687 votes.
