I have no power sharing deal with Atiku, Obi for 2027 presidential election, says Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, says he has not reached any agreement with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, ex-governor of Anambra state, for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso said there was no deal for him to serve a four-year term as president, followed by a single term for Abubakar, and two terms for Obi.

Kwankwaso alleged that a faction loyal to Abubakar has been meeting with northern elders and clerics to spread false claims about a “non-existent” power-sharing arrangement.

Kwankwaso accused Abubakar’s faction of allegedly spreading falsehood about those who had left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I was told that about forty-five scholars were gathered and told this statement that did not exist. I am not happy with this at all,” Kwankwaso said.

“They were told that I agreed that Atiku would serve for four years, I will also serve for four years, and Peter Obi for eight years. This statement does not exist, it was not made.

“It was these kinds of lies and deceit that made us leave, Peter Obi, Wike, and I — we all left. Now they are here and continuing to do it, and we, who were humiliated and expelled, are now being asked to come and put those who humiliated us in the forefront so that we can achieve success.”

Kwankwaso, Abubakar, and Obi ran in the 2023 presidential election under different parties—the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), respectively.

The trio lost the election to Bola Tinubu, then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since then, there have been rumours suggesting the trio might form an alliance to challenge Tinubu in 2027, a claim Kwankwaso has now denied.

RELATIONSHIP WITH ABBA YUSUF

Kwankwaso also addressed allegations of interference in the administration of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state.

Responding to a recent article advising Yusuf to assert his authority, Kwankwaso dismissed claims of meddling in the state’s governance, saying he only offers advice when requested.

He also accused unnamed political actors of trying to create divisions within the Kwankwasiyya political movement.