The Labour Party (LP) has expressed enthusiasm over Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s recent offer to serve as a running mate to Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, indicated his willingness in a viral video post, just two years after talks for a potential merger between the two parties fell through due to leadership disputes.
In his statement, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, acknowledged his political stature, asserting, “I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically; I’m his elder brother, I’m a PhD holder, I performed better than him when I was the governor of my state.” He stated he would consider the deputy position if “certain conditions are met,” emphasizing the need for trust in any discussions with Obi.
In the 2023 elections, Obi secured approximately 6.1 million votes, while Kwankwaso garnered around 1.5 million, finishing in fourth place.
Kwankwaso has been vocal in his criticism of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding the government’s economic policies, which he argues have caused significant hardship for Nigerians.
Responding to Kwankwaso’s proposal, in an exclusive interview, the National Secretary of LP, Umar Farouk, told The PUNCH LP National Secretary Umar Farouk welcomed the move but urged the former Kano governor to avoid undermining the potential partnership by emphasizing his political superiority. Farouk stated, “We are happy Kwankwaso has alighted from the high horse he was riding and willing to offer himself to Obi as deputy.”
He further noted the importance of collaboration between the LP and NNPP to effectively challenge the APC government in 2027, while cautioning that the dynamics of the upcoming election could differ significantly from those of 2023.
In a contrasting view, a legislative aide to the Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji Ado Garba (Tati), expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term in 2027, citing the goodwill generated by Senator Barau Jibrin’s developmental initiatives in Kano State. Tati highlighted various empowerment programs and infrastructure projects that have positively impacted the lives of residents, suggesting these efforts would translate into electoral support for Tinubu and the APC in the next election.
