Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained the strategic reasoning behind his political alliance with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, emphasizing unity and national progress as key motivators. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, Kwankwaso highlighted historical precedents of North-South collaboration in Nigeria’s political landscape to justify the partnership. He noted that the current alliance reflects a return to the inclusive political approach championed by leaders like Tafawa Balewa and Ahmadu Bello during Nigeria’s early years as a nation. Kwankwaso stressed that such cooperation is not only necessary but also rooted in shared national interest.
He recalled the Second Republic era, when former President Shehu Shagari worked closely with leaders from the South East, demonstrating that regional collaboration has long been a part of Nigeria’s political fabric. Kwankwaso affirmed that the people of the South East are natural allies of the North, and that mutual respect and cooperation have always been possible. Drawing from his own experience as former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he pointed out that he had worked effectively with his Speaker, who hailed from the South East. This personal experience, he said, reinforced his belief in the potential for productive North-South collaboration.
Kwankwaso clarified that the decision to partner with Peter Obi was not based solely on regional considerations. Instead, it was the result of a careful assessment by Northern leaders seeking a credible, honest, and capable figure who could help drive national development. He emphasized that the alliance was formed after evaluating various options and identifying Obi as the most suitable candidate to work with. “It wasn’t just because we are going to the South East,” Kwankwaso stated. “No, I looked around together with our leadership in the North to ask who we think is capable, who can come and work honestly with us so that we can move this country forward.”
He added that Peter Obi emerged as the clear frontrunner in that evaluation, leading to the unanimous decision among Northern leaders to support the alliance. Kwankwaso’s remarks underscore a broader shift in Nigerian politics toward cross-regional cooperation, especially as the country faces deepening economic and security challenges. The alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi is seen as a significant step toward breaking regional political barriers and fostering a more unified national agenda. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, this partnership may serve as a model for how leaders from different regions can come together for the greater good of the nation.
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