Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has refuted rumors that he has announced his desire to run for president or running mate alongside Peter Obi.
The former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate made it clear in a statement released on Saturday night that he has not supported any candidate for running partner in the next 2027 presidential election.
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper reported that since the opposition parties’ national meeting last month in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, speculation over Kwankwaso and Obi’s political futures have grown more intense. Before then, supporters of both politicians have been sharing campaign posters on social media, and he and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi have been frequently connected to a possible combined presidential ticket.
Amid uncertainties over the party’s 2027 ticket, reports on Saturday further stated that Kwankwaso and Obi were nearing completion of their preparations to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In fact, NNPP Chieftain, Buba Galadima, confirmed that the duo were headed to the NDC next week.
However, Kwankwaso vehemently denied the allegations, stating that no decision has been made on his future in politics.
“We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to the current challenges facing the party”, the statement read.
“In light of the misleading narratives in the public domain, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates.”
“The ADC is yet to zone its presidential ticket or take any decision on a candidate. I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded.
“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal challenges that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now also been drawn into similar difficulties.
“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations, including with leaders of the NDC, PRP and others, to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall communicate our decision in due course”, the statement added.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso fuelled alliance
Three weeks ago, supportes of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formed the OK alliance, which fuelled speculations that the former Kano governor has already accepted to deputize the former presidential candidate. In fact, supporters of both aspirants came together yesterday in Abuja to discuss issues bordering the ADC leadership tussle, zoning and the 2027 general elections at large.
