The Labour Party (LP) has expressed its openness to the recent offer by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, to serve as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso’s gesture is coming just two years after failed negotiations between both parties ahead of the 2023 elections.
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In a viral post, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, indicated his willingness to run alongside Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, on the condition that certain agreements are made.
Speaking in Hausa, Kwankwaso emphasized his readiness to engage in discussions but made it clear that mutual trust would need to be established for the partnership to succeed.
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“I’m politically bigger than Peter Obi. I’m his elder brother, I have a PhD, and I performed better than him as a governor. I have no issue deputizing for him, but only if certain conditions are met,” Kwankwaso said in a video shared on his official account.
In the 2023 elections, Peter Obi came third with approximately 6.1 million votes, while Kwankwaso, despite his influence in the North, secured about 1.5 million votes, placing fourth.
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The two had previously considered a merger before the election, but disagreements over leadership roles derailed the effort.
Kwankwaso, who has been an outspoken critic of the Bola Tinubu administration, has repeatedly condemned the government’s economic policies, which he claims have worsened the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
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Reacting to Kwankwaso’s offer, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, welcomed the possibility of a renewed alliance between the two political figures.
However, he urged Kwankwaso to drop any rhetoric that could jeopardize future talks.
“As a political party, we are always open to discussions that promote good governance. We are glad Kwankwaso is now willing to serve as Obi’s deputy, acknowledging the over six million votes Obi secured in 2023. Kwankwaso, despite his popularity in the North, garnered less than two million votes. The idea of claiming superiority based on politics or academic qualifications should not be the focus. What we need is unity and a common goal to wrest power from the APC,” Farouk stated.
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Farouk further noted that while the potential collaboration between Obi and Kwankwaso could strengthen opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the government would likely resist any such political moves.
“As we look ahead to 2027, it’s clear that the dynamics will differ from 2023. The real test will be whether both leaders can work together to challenge the status quo,” he added.
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