2027: Kwankwaso hosts Obi, Makinde, Dickson in Kano

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Sunday, hosted prominent opposition political figures at his residence in Kano in what appears a realignment of opposition figures after a while. Prominent opposition party leaders who were in Kano include the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, […]

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Sunday, hosted prominent opposition political figures at his residence in Kano in what appears a realignment of opposition figures after a while.

Prominent opposition party leaders who were in Kano include the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; and a former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, said he was in Kano to “felicitate with Kwankwaso on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader.”

The visit comes amid ongoing political realignments and consultations across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Although details of the closed-door interaction were not made public, the presence of the trio—who are key figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics—has sparked interest in political circles.

Our correspondent learned that the visit is not unconnected with the bid by the opposition to put their heads together ahead the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso has for long been approached by the opposition parties to team up with them since the governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf joined the APC.

There have also been calls for the opposition leaders particularly Obi and Kwankwaso to join forces so as to give President Bola Tinubu who is expected to run on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) a good run for his money.

Though they insist the visit was to celebrate Sallah and honour Kwankwaso, observers say the meeting speaks volumes about what may happen in the coming days.

Kwankwaso had earlier in a message shared on his official social media platforms, described the visit as part of a “joyful Sallah celebration” with the dignitaries.

“Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration. Wishing everyone peace, blessings, and prosperity,” he stated.

Obi while speaking at the annual ‘kalankuwa’ gathering of the Kwankwasiyya movement held at the residence of its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano during the Sallah celebration insisted his presence at the event was not for political campaigning but to join in the Sallah festivities and honour Kwankwaso.

“Today is not about politics; it is the celebration of Sallah. May Almighty Allah bless all of you,” he added.

He called for the revival of Kano’s industrial base, particularly in key manufacturing hubs such as Bompai and Sharada.

Highlighting Kano’s historical role as a commercial and industrial hub, the former Anambra State governor stressed the need to restore moribund industries across the state.

“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is to make sure that we bring back the power of Kano,” he said.

He specifically mentioned industrial areas such as Bompai, Sharada Phase I and II, as well as legacy institutions like the Bank of the North, noting that efforts should be made to revive them to boost economic activities and create jobs.

The event attracted prominent political figures and thousands of Kwankwasiyya supporters, reflecting the movement’s continued grassroots strength in Kano.

 

Obi meets ADC stakeholders in Kaduna

The former Labour Party presidential candidate was also in Kaduna as part of what he describes as his nationwide consultations.

Obi said in his social media handle, “I visited Kaduna State, where I met with our party stakeholders and members, including Dr Ahmed Tijjani, a gubernatorial hopeful, and Senator Lawal Adamu, who represents Kaduna Central.

“What I observed in them was not just political ambition but a sincere desire to serve the people and contribute to the rebuilding of our country.

“Kaduna remains a very strategic state in Nigeria. It was once a symbol of our unity and coexistence, a major hub for industry, agriculture, and commerce, and it still holds that potential. With disciplined, competent, and people-oriented leadership, we can restore that lost glory for the benefit of all.”

He said what is important is the need to rekindle the spirit of unity and coexistence for which Kaduna was once known as a  divided society cannot progress, but a united, just, and inclusive one will always find a path to peace and development.

“During my interactions, I emphasized the need for our leaders to move away from the politics of money and to embrace the politics of competence, character, and measurable results.

“This visit has strengthened my belief that with the right leadership and collective effort, we can build a Nigeria that works—one where every citizen, regardless of background, has a sense of belonging and opportunity,” he added.