KANO — In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has mounted a spirited defense of Peter Obi, describing the former Anambra State Governor as a “good man” with no history of antagonism toward Northern Nigerians.
The statement, made during a recent interview in Kano, marks a significant departure from the regional friction that characterized the 2023 election cycle and signals a formal thawing of relations between two of the country’s most influential opposition figures.
“No History of Harm”
Addressing long-standing allegations and “fake news” regarding Obi’s past treatment of Northerners, Kwankwaso urged voters in the region to look beyond divisive rhetoric.
“Peter Obi is a good man; he has no history of harming Northerners,” Kwankwaso declared. “Much of what has been said in the past was calculated to create fear and division. After a thorough assessment, it is clear that he is a leader who understands the complexities of our nation and is committed to its collective progress.”
The Road to a Unified Front
The endorsement comes on the heels of the formation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a new political platform that has brought both Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement and Obi’s “Obidient” base under one umbrella.
In a major tactical shift, Kwankwaso—who previously insisted on being at the top of any joint ticket—expressed a newfound willingness to prioritize party strategy over personal ambition. He noted that if the party decides on a Southern candidate to head the 2027 ticket, he is prepared to serve in a supporting capacity to ensure the APC is unseated.
Shifting Regional Dynamics
Political analysts suggest that Kwankwaso’s “clearing of the air” is a strategic move to make Obi more palatable to Northern voters who have traditionally been skeptical of the former Labour Party candidate. By leveraging his immense influence in Kano and across the North-West, Kwankwaso is attempting to dismantle the ethnic barriers that hampered their individual campaigns in 2023.
Reaction from the Camps
While the APC has dismissed the comments as “political desperation,” supporters of the emerging Obi-Kwankwaso alliance have hailed the statement as a masterstroke for national unity.
“This isn’t just about 2027; it’s about healing the North-South divide,” said a spokesperson for the NDC. “When a leader of Kwankwaso’s stature vouches for a colleague in this manner, it changes the conversation from ethnicity to competency.”
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, this “good man” endorsement may well be remembered as the moment the opposition finally found its common ground.
