A former member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State has confirmed efforts by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to rally northern leaders in support of their emerging alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ex-lawmaker, who is a supporter of Atiku Abubakar, in an interview with Punch, acknowledged the growing influence of the Obi-Kwankwaso camp.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he disclosed that Kwankwaso is spearheading efforts to sway northern stakeholders.
He said Kwankwaso had become the “arrowhead” of the mobilisation against Atiku’s presidential ambition.
The source further claimed that the former Kano governor has a long-term political strategy tied to the alliance.
He said the plan is for Kwankwaso to contest in 2031 if Obi emerges as the party’s candidate and honours a proposed one-term agreement.
He said, “We know their every move, but no offence is taken. It is a normal political gimmick and we are all marketing our individual aspirants. But there will be a convergence in the next two to three weeks.
“Atiku is the biggest politician in the North and northern leaders are in his support, as they usually do. RMK is the one meeting northern leaders and trying to convince them to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He wants to be president in 2031 after Obi’s one-term, if he fulfils it.
“The good thing is that all the aspirants have agreed to work with whoever emerges as the party’s candidate. The most important thing is to sack Tinubu, and we are going to achieve that.”
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson, who is an ally of Kwankwaso, declined to comment on the matter.
He said, “I am not competent to speak on that matter.”
