In what can only be described as a political miscalculation of historic proportions, rumors have been swirling across social media that former Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is considering aligning himself with Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. If these rumors are to be believed, Kwankwaso is willing to serve as Obi’s running mate, a move that would be nothing short of political suicide.
Teaming up with Obi would be a grave mistake for Kwankwaso, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where Obi’s image has been tainted by his controversial past. From the infamous "Yes Daddy" scandal to his perceived silence on IPOB’s atrocities, Peter Obi is simply not the ally Kwankwaso needs. Aligning with him would be a betrayal of Northern political interests and a sure way to alienate the very people who have stood by Kwankwaso throughout his political career.
The Yes Daddy Scandal: Obi's Religious Bigotry Exposed
Peter Obi’s reputation in Northern Nigeria is irreparably damaged due to the fallout from the "Yes Daddy" scandal, where a leaked conversation exposed Obi’s divisive religious leanings. During the conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo, Obi sought to rally Christian votes, referring to Muslims as "enemies" in his supposed war for political dominance. This scandal was a turning point for many in the North, revealing Obi as not only a religious bigot but also as someone willing to sow discord along religious lines for political gain.
Northern Nigeria, with its deep Islamic heritage, was understandably outraged. Obi’s words were seen as a declaration of animosity towards Muslims, and the perception that he is anti-Muslim continues to linger. For Kwankwaso to team up with someone carrying such baggage would be seen as a gross misjudgment. The North has no trust in Obi, and by association, they may lose faith in Kwankwaso.
Obi’s Campaign Team: A Display of Tribalism
Another critical factor in Obi’s unsuitability as an ally is the widespread belief that his 2023 presidential campaign was a display of ethnic favoritism. Over 80% of Obi’s campaign team were of Igbo origin, raising eyebrows across the country and fueling accusations of tribalism. For a politician seeking to unite a deeply fragmented nation, this was a disastrous message to send.
In Northern Nigeria, where political alliances are built on cross-ethnic cooperation, Obi’s tribalist leanings are a non-starter. Kwankwaso, who has long been a champion of national unity and inclusion, risks alienating his northern base by teaming up with a politician seen as pandering to his ethnic group at the expense of others.
IPOB’s Atrocities and Obi’s Silence: A Threat to the North
The most damning aspect of this potential alliance, however, is Obi’s perceived connection to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Led by Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB has been responsible for numerous attacks against Northerners in the southeastern part of Nigeria. From targeted killings to economic sabotage, IPOB’s agenda has been clear: they see the North as an enemy, and their actions have brought untold suffering to many innocent people.
What has been even more shocking is Peter Obi’s failure to unequivocally condemn IPOB’s violent activities. His silence on the issue has been interpreted as tacit support for the group, leading many in the North to view him as IPOB’s candidate—a man who sympathizes with their dangerous, secessionist agenda.
For the people of Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, where the impact of IPOB’s actions has been felt most acutely, Peter Obi is seen as an existential threat. His association with IPOB means that any northern politician aligning with him is immediately suspect. If Kwankwaso teams up with Obi, it will be seen as an endorsement of IPOB’s actions, and the political consequences could be devastating.
Kwankwaso’s 2019 Mistake: History Repeating Itself
This is not the first time Kwankwaso has found himself on the brink of political disaster. In 2019, he made a similar mistake when he defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. At the time, it was clear that both Atiku and Saraki were more powerful figures within the party, and Kwankwaso’s decision to follow them into the PDP marked the beginning of his political decline.
That decision cost him dearly, particularly in Kano, where his influence began to wane. Now, with rumors of his possible alliance with Peter Obi, it seems history is about to repeat itself. By joining forces with Obi, Kwankwaso would be making the same mistake he made in 2019—only this time, the stakes are even higher. The North is watching, and the people of Kano, in particular, will not easily forgive another political misstep.
Kano’s Volatile Politics: A Dangerous Gamble
The political landscape in Kano is uniquely volatile, and any wrong move could have severe consequences. The city has borne the brunt of IPOB’s violence, and many Northerners have lost their lives or livelihoods as a result of the group’s actions. In this climate, any association with Peter Obi would be seen as a betrayal.
Kano is a state that values loyalty, and Kwankwaso’s longstanding influence there is largely built on his reputation as a defender of northern interests. Teaming up with Obi, who is viewed as a supporter of IPOB and an enemy of the North, would be a dangerous gamble. Kwankwaso could lose Kano entirely, and with it, his political base.
IPOB’s Crimes Against Northerners: A Reminder
The atrocities committed by IPOB against Northerners cannot be forgotten. From brutal murders to the destruction of businesses, IPOB has made it clear that their secessionist agenda includes targeting Northerners, whom they see as obstacles to their cause. Innocent people have been killed, and entire communities have been destabilized by IPOB’s actions.
For many in the North, especially in Kano, this is personal. They have witnessed the devastation firsthand, and they hold Peter Obi partly responsible due to his failure to condemn IPOB. How can Kwankwaso, a man who has fought for national unity, align himself with someone who has remained silent in the face of such cruelty?
Kwankwaso’s Political Suicide
In conclusion, if the rumors are true and Kwankwaso is indeed considering an alliance with Peter Obi, it can only be seen as a grave miscalculation. Peter Obi is not trusted in the North, and for good reason. His history of religious bigotry, tribalism, and tacit support for IPOB make him a deeply divisive figure. For Kwankwaso to align with him would be political suicide—a betrayal of everything the North stands for.
This is not just about politics; it’s about principles. Kwankwaso needs to remember that the North has long stood behind him because he has been a defender of northern interests. Aligning with Peter Obi, a man seen as an existential threat to the North, would destroy that trust and erode Kwankwaso’s political legacy.
It is safe to say that if Kwankwaso continues down this path, he has indeed gone mad again.
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