Rabiu Kwankwaso has denied agreeing to a power-sharing pact with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The NNPP leader also criticized northern elites for meddling in Nigeria’s democratic process, urging them to let the people decide.
Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly refuted claims of a political pact involving himself, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso dismissed rumors suggesting that the trio had agreed on a power-sharing arrangement in which Atiku would serve as president for four years, Kwankwaso for another four years, and Peter Obi for eight years. The former governor categorically stated, “This pact does not exist. It has not been made.”
Northern Elite Interference in Democracy
Kwankwaso expressed frustration with what he described as undue interference by a select group of northern elites who, according to him, have declared themselves as the sole representatives of the North in deciding Nigeria’s political future.
“This oppressive thing they are doing is causing discord in the community,” Kwankwaso said. “It’s wrong for just a few individuals to claim they represent the entire North. Their actions are dividing the region and undermining democracy by imposing leaders who are not qualified.”
He criticized these self-styled northern leaders for spreading falsehoods and manipulating the political process to favor their preferred candidates.
“Instead of promoting us, their children, they go to Port Harcourt and Abuja to show favoritism,” Kwankwaso added, recalling similar instances of marginalization during the 2019 elections when seven presidential candidates emerged from the North-West but were sidelined.
A Call for Democratic Fairness
Kwankwaso urged the northern elite to stop meddling in the selection process for presidential candidates and allow Nigerians to freely choose their leaders. He warned against favoritism and false narratives that could jeopardize national unity and democratic principles.
“Whatever you do, do it based on the truth. Elders and leaders should not engage in spreading lies or favoritism in presenting candidates,” he said.
Denial of Alleged Agreement
Reacting to reports of meetings held by Atiku’s associates with northern clerics and leaders to discuss a possible power-sharing deal, Kwankwaso expressed displeasure. “I was told about gatherings of mallams where lies are being spread, claiming agreements have been made. Let me make it clear: no such deal exists, and I am not happy about this,” he asserted.
Kwankwaso emphasized that democracy must be driven by the will of the people and not by backdoor arrangements orchestrated by a few influential individuals.
