Former Kano State Governor and 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly refuted allegations of a supposed agreement with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) regarding a rotational presidency arrangement for the 2027 elections.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Monday morning, Kwankwaso vehemently denied claims that he, Atiku, and Obi had formed an alliance to share the presidency, asserting that he had never communicated with either of the two politicians.
He clarified that he had maintained a policy of political neutrality throughout the year, emphasising that he had no discussions or agreements with Atiku or Obi regarding the presidency.
Kwankwaso’s denial comes in the wake of reports from certain media outlets (excluding The PUNCH) that suggested the trio were working together ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, with claims that Atiku would serve a four-year term, followed by Kwankwaso and Obi.
These reports also suggested that the arrangement was allegedly discussed among a group of 45 scholars brought in by the PDP.
“I heard from a source that the PDP brought in scholars—about 45 of them—and claimed there was a consensus that Atiku would rule for four years, I would rule for another four years, and Peter Obi would rule for eight years. This is a complete lie and has no basis in reality,” Kwankwaso said, expressing his frustration over what he described as misleading claims.
The former governor, who left the PDP in 2023, criticized the party’s leadership for spreading falsehoods, particularly targeting elder statesmen in their 70s and 80s for allegedly promoting such deceptive narratives.
Kwankwaso linked these actions to his decision to part ways with the PDP, accusing them of destabilizing the party through dishonest tactics and manipulation of regional politics.
“This deceit is part of what led me and others to leave the PDP,” Kwankwaso added
“These actions have destabilized the party. The primary goal of these individuals is to manipulate regional politics and secure votes from the North.”
Kwankwaso also took issue with the PDP’s failure to address calls for restructuring, a key reason behind his departure from the party.
He questioned the PDP’s commitment to the North, pointing out the party’s history of disappointing the region despite claiming to represent its interests.
“For me to accept any arrangement, we have to revisit history,” he remarked.
“I understand the PDP thoroughly. I know their plan is to manipulate regional dynamics, bring us together, and make northerners vote for them. But we ask, what have they done for the North?”
The NNPP leader further reflected on the impact of his exit from the PDP, emphasizing the frustration and humiliation he and other party members experienced as they sought reforms within the party.
He mentioned the departures of notable figures such as Peter Obi and Governor Nyesom Wike, alongside his own, as a sign of the party’s dysfunction.
“We have suffered the worst humiliation from these people. We loved the party and wanted to reform it for progress, but they forced us out. I left, Peter Obi left, Wike left, and many others left. Yet these are the same people now seeking to return and express interest in the presidency,” Kwankwaso lamented.
“This is appalling. Maybe they are remorseful or seeking forgiveness, but we have truly been humiliated by them.”
Kwankwaso concluded by reaffirming his stance of political neutrality and stressing that the focus should remain on good governance by the current federal and state governments as the country enters 2024.
