By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has denied the existence of any agreement involving himself, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi to alternate presidential terms.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso dismissed claims that he and Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had agreed to serve as president for four years each, followed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party serving for eight years.
Kwankwaso expressed displeasure over the role of a few individuals from the North who, he claimed, were interfering in the selection process of presidential candidates. He described their actions as divisive and undemocratic.
“This oppressive behavior they exhibit is causing discord in the community,” Kwankwaso said.
He argued that these individuals falsely claim to represent the North and manipulate the political landscape to favor their personal interests.
“Instead of promoting the interests of their people, they are spreading lies and misleading others by claiming that the North has agreed on certain candidates. Often, these so-called leaders are not more than two or three individuals,” he said.
Kwankwaso emphasized that democracy should allow people to choose their leaders freely, without undue influence.
“Whatever you do, do it based on the truth. Elders, especially those in the North and West, should not show favoritism in selecting candidates. They should let the people decide who they truly want as their leader,” he added.
On rumors about a supposed agreement between him, Atiku, and Obi for the 2027 elections, Kwankwaso categorically denied any such arrangement. He expressed frustration over the misinformation being spread, particularly by some local leaders and religious figures.
“I was told that about 45 Mallams were gathered and told that I agreed to this pact, but it is not true. I am not at all happy about this. These elders are spreading lies about agreements that do not exist,” he stated.
Kwankwaso revealed that he had heard of meetings being held by Atiku’s group with local leaders ahead of the 2027 elections but reiterated that he had no involvement in such discussions.
Reflecting on the 2019 election, Kwankwaso criticized the lack of unity among Northern leaders, noting that the North-West alone produced seven presidential candidates.
“In the end, they abandoned us and did what they wanted,” he said, lamenting the lack of cohesion and support for qualified candidates from the region.
Kwankwaso also criticized the state of the country under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, saying, “APC has finished Nigeria,” while describing the PDP as a party that is already dead.
The former governor called for a renewed focus on true democratic practices and urged leaders to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions.
