A fresh political storm is brewing ahead of the 2027 general elections as the alliance between Labour Party's Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso faces serious threats. Sanusi Bature, the spokesperson for Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has described the partnership as temporary and unlikely to succeed.
In an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Bature expressed doubts about the viability of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, particularly in Kano State. He questioned the dynamic of Kwankwaso, a PhD holder, serving as deputy to Obi, who holds only a first degree. 'It doesn't look like the Kwankwaso we know,' Bature said. 'I don't see this partnership working.'
Kwankwaso's Alleged Moves Toward Tinubu's APC
Bature revealed that Kwankwaso had been considering joining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the NNPP, with Kwankwaso's consent, approached Tinubu and the APC as 'Option A' to explore joining the ruling party because the NNPP cannot stand alone. However, Kwankwaso cancelled a scheduled appointment with Tinubu and never rescheduled, citing a trip to China.
'There was an agreement among critical stakeholders, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, to find a lasting solution ahead of 2027 because the NNPP cannot fly on its own. With Kwankwaso's consent, we approached Tinubu and the APC as our Option A to explore joining the party,' Bature stated. 'Kwankwaso insisted on speaking to President Tinubu before any possible defection. However, after a date was set, he cancelled the appointment, saying he was going to China, and never rescheduled.'
Public Reactions to the Controversy
The governor's aide's comments have sparked widespread reactions on social media. Many Nigerians questioned the logic behind the criticism, pointing out that former President Muhammadu Buhari's educational background did not prevent Professor Yemi Osinbajo from serving as his vice president. One user, @paul_frank45511, asked, 'If Rabiu Kwankwaso is a PhD holder and Peter Obi a first degree, and you see it not working for you, please kindly state which one President Tinubu is holding.'
Another user, @AbadiPerebo, noted, 'It is strange for Kwankwaso, who has a PhD, to be vice to an Obi who has a first degree and multiple certificates, including from Harvard and Oxford, but Osinbajo, a Professor, can be vice to Buhari without a verified primary school certificate? How convenient for you to say.'
@Picturesque_ux added, 'Every sane person knows Kwankwaso is Tinubu's padi. He plans to make sure no northerner emerges in 2027, so in 2031, he will be in a good position. He also knows that Obi can't win, but he needed to tie the Obidients down to agree to do only 4 years, whether the OK ticket wins or not.'
Obi's Stance on Wealth Creation
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has asserted that Nigeria needs a manager and wealth creator like himself. The former Anambra State governor claimed that no presidential aspirant, including Tinubu and Kwankwaso, can match his experience in wealth creation. Obi and Kwankwaso have reportedly joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and are projected to be the party's presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2027 elections.
In a related development, Ibrahim Abdulkarim disclosed that Obi is committed to a one-term presidency to facilitate long-term political transition. Supporters are discussing a succession plan for Kwankwaso to ensure continuity after Obi's term. Abdulkarim emphasized the need for governance reforms and a strong institutional foundation beyond electoral victories.
