Kwankwaso Denies Working for Tinubu, Says Peter Obi Agreed to One-Term Presidency

Rabiu Kwankwaso has dismissed claims that he and Peter Obi are secretly working to help President Bola Tinubu secure re-election by splitting opposition votes ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress described the allegations as false and politically motivated during an interview with BBC Hausa Service.

Responding to the accusation, Kwankwaso used a popular Hausa proverb to dismiss the speculation, saying: “If the person talking is a fool, then the person listening should be wise.”

He insisted that the alliance between himself and Obi was built on shared ideas and a common vision for Nigeria’s development rather than any hidden political agenda.

According to him, the NDC has rapidly expanded despite being a relatively new political platform, attracting members across different parts of the country within a short time.

“We are a new party, but our membership is advancing rapidly. In less than three months, we have attracted many members. Peter Obi and I share similar ideologies and plans for development in education, agriculture, and human capital development,” he said.

Kwankwaso explained that both leaders agreed to work together because they believe Nigerians need an alternative political direction focused on welfare, governance, and economic growth.

The former Kano State governor also addressed reports of hostility between supporters of the NDC and camps loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He denied ever instructing his followers to attack Atiku or any opposition figure, blaming online tensions on individuals he described as “mischievous people.”

“I have never directed my followers to attack Atiku, neither have I attacked him directly. I am sure he also will not direct his people to attack us,” he stated.

Kwankwaso also revisited his previous comments describing the office of the vice president as a “spare part,” clarifying that Obi had assured him the position would carry significant responsibilities under their proposed administration.

“Obi himself publicly declared that he will not just relegate us to the side. There are several responsibilities we will take on for the betterment of the nation,” he said.

On the issue of zoning and power rotation, Kwankwaso revealed that he accepted the vice-presidential slot because he believes it is currently the South’s turn to produce the president.

“I agreed to be vice president because it is currently the turn of the South. So, to avoid confusion, we agreed that he should run, and once they are done, the seat will move back to the North,” he said.

He further expressed confidence that Peter Obi would honour what he described as an agreement to serve only one term before power returns to the North.

“I believe Peter Obi, as a distinguished gentleman, will keep his word of running for a single term,” Kwankwaso added.