Kwankwaso denies Tinubu collusion claims, calls critics foolish, backs Obi partnership
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed allegations that he and presidential candidate Peter Obi are secretly aiding President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by dividing the opposition. Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, he called the claims baseless and invoked a Hausa proverb: 'If the person talking is a fool, then the person listening should be wise.' Kwankwaso said the NDC, though new, has grown rapidly in membership, and that his partnership with Obi is based on a shared vision for development in education, agriculture, and human capital. He explained that Obi assured him the vice presidency would carry meaningful responsibilities, not be a mere 'spare part,' and expressed confidence that Obi would honour a reported agreement to serve only one term before power returns to the North, in line with the North-South power-sharing arrangement. Kwankwaso also denied directing followers to attack former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying any tensions between their camps are incited by a few mischievous individuals.
This clarification matters as it shapes public perception of opposition dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections, helps voters assess whether the NDC-Obi alliance is a genuine alternative or a tacit aid to the ruling party, and informs political strategists about internal opposition relations. It also highlights how accusations of collusion can be used to undermine emerging parties.
When evaluating the NDC’s credibility, consider Kwankwaso’s insistence that the alliance is rooted in shared ideology, not sabotage; note his confidence in Obi’s one-term pledge and the expected rotation of the presidency back to the North; remain aware that opposition tensions may be fueled by mischief-makers; and watch whether the NDC’s rapid growth translates into sustained political influence. Will you view the NDC-Obi alliance as a sincere effort for national development or suspect hidden motives behind the partnership?