By: Seun Adegboyega
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, has dismissed reports linking him to a potential presidential alliance with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that no decision has been made about his political future.
In a statement released Saturday night, the former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate denied both declaring an intention to run for president and endorsing any running mate for the forthcoming election.
Speculation about a possible Kwankwaso-Obi joint ticket intensified following last month’s opposition summit in Ibadan, with supporters of both politicians circulating campaign materials on social media. Further reports on Saturday suggested the pair were considering moving from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), amid growing uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s 2027 plans.
Kwankwaso rejected these claims outright. “No final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates,” he said, describing circulating narratives as misleading and premature. He added that the ADC has not yet zoned its presidential ticket or settled on a candidate, and that he has made no personal declaration either way.
The ADC itself is currently facing internal difficulties. The Supreme Court on Thursday set aside a Court of Appeal ruling that had directed parties in the party’s leadership dispute to maintain the status quo, instead ordering the faction led by David Mark to return to the Federal High Court for fresh proceedings. Kwankwaso described the ruling as leaving the party in “a precarious position,” drawing a parallel with the legal pressures that led him to leave the NNPP.
He confirmed that consultations are underway with leaders of the NDC, PRP and other parties to assess the best path forward, but stressed that any firm decision would be announced through official channels. He also clarified that his recent absence from ADC meetings was due to personal commitments previously communicated to party leadership, and was not a signal of imminent defection.