The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday held a high-level meeting with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano, fuelling fresh speculation about possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The closed-door meeting, which took place at Kwankwaso’s residence along Miller Road, attracted several prominent political figures and has since generated widespread interest across political circles.
Among those in attendance were Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson; and political activist, Naajatu Mohammed. Their presence added significant weight to the meeting and intensified speculation about ongoing consultations across party lines.
Although details of the discussions were not made public, there are growing indications that the meeting may be part of a broader political realignment ahead of the next general elections. Observers have suggested that Kwankwaso could be considering options beyond the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), with emerging talks linking him to the African Democratic Congress.
Speaking during the annual Kwankwassiya Sallah celebration, Obi addressed a large gathering of supporters, stating that his visit was primarily to celebrate the festive season and pay respect to Kwankwaso.
“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of Sallah and to pay my respect to our leader. So thank you,” Obi said.
Despite downplaying political motives, Obi emphasised the need to revive Kano’s economic strength, particularly its once-thriving industrial base.
“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is bring back the power of Kano—all those factories in Bompai, Sharada 1, Sharada 2, Bank of the North—we want to bring all of them back. Today is not politics; it is the celebration of Sallah,” he added.
His remarks highlighted concerns over the decline of Kano’s industrial zones, especially in areas such as Bompai and Sharada, which were once major hubs for manufacturing in northern Nigeria. Analysts view his comments as consistent with his focus on economic revival and industrial development.
The visit also reflects a broader effort by Obi and his allies to strengthen political engagement in the northern region ahead of future elections.
In his response, Kwankwaso welcomed the delegation and expressed satisfaction with the visit, describing it as a demonstration of unity among political leaders. He noted that the Sallah celebration provided an opportunity for both leaders and supporters to come together in an atmosphere of peace and shared purpose.
The meeting has continued to stir political conversations nationwide, with many closely watching for signs of potential alliances that could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
