Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, , has revealed that northern political leaders carefully evaluated possible allies before deciding to partner with ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Monday, Kwankwaso said the alliance was built on competence and trust rather than political convenience or regional considerations.
According to him, northern leaders searched for a credible partner capable of working honestly toward national development before concluding that Obi was the best option.
“We looked around to identify someone capable of genuinely working with us for the progress of the country, and along the line we realised Peter Obi stood out. That informed our collective decision to work together,” he said.
Kwankwaso also dismissed suggestions that there could be an underlying rivalry between both camps within the NDC alliance, insisting that conflicts between political leaders and their deputies often stem from personal greed.
He argued that political partnerships can succeed when leaders remain focused on governance rather than personal ambition.
Drawing from his own experience, Kwankwaso recalled serving successfully with former political associates both at the National Assembly and during his tenure as governor of Kano State.
He noted that he maintained a stable working relationship with his deputy governor throughout his eight years in office and eventually handed power over peacefully.
The former NNPP presidential candidate recently joined the NDC alongside Obi after leaving their former political platforms amid internal crises.
At the party’s national convention in Abuja, Kwankwaso backed the decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, describing the move as necessary for equity, unity, and national healing.
Kwankwaso also linked the alliance to Nigeria’s political history, recalling earlier collaborations between northern leaders and politicians from the South-East.
He cited partnerships involving former Prime Minister , former President , and former Vice President as examples of successful North-South-East cooperation.
According to him, the current alliance seeks to revive that spirit of political inclusiveness and national balance.
Kwankwaso further stated that Obi’s selection was based on his leadership qualities and political strength, not merely because power was expected to shift to the South.
The alliance between both politicians is already reshaping the opposition landscape ahead of 2027, attracting lawmakers and political blocs from across the country into the NDC.
Observers believe the partnership combines Kwankwaso’s strong northern grassroots structure with Obi’s popularity among young voters and urban communities, positioning the NDC as a major opposition force against President and the ruling in the next general election.
