Rabiu Kwankwaso’s supporters screamed Peter Obi’s name on Sunday while the former Labour Party presidential candidate arrived in Kano for the yearly Kwankwasiyya Sallah celebration.
Both leaders were repeatedly praised by the throng, many of whom were donning the Kwankwasiyya movement’s iconic red caps, as they accepted applause and spoke to the assembly.
Obi was reportedly hosted at the festivities by Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, and Seriake Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa State, who paid Kwankwaso a visit at his home, were also there.
Speaking to the audience, Obi explained that his visit was intended to honor Kwankwaso and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr rather than for political reasons.
“I’m here to pay my respect to our leader and to celebrate Sallah with you,” he remarked.
The former governor of Anambra State also emphasized the importance of reviving Kano’s industrial might, especially its formerly prosperous manufacturing centers.
“We want to change Kano,” he declared. Our goal is to construct a new Kano.
“We want to restore Kano’s power, as well as the factories in Bompai, Sharada 1, Sharada 2, and Bank of the North.” Today is a celebration of Sallah, not politics.
Before the 2027 presidential election, rumors of a potential alliance have been stoked once more by the leaders’ joint presence.
Though no official agreement has been made, there have been increasing talks of a possible Obi/Kwankwaso ticket.
Obi has completed his transition to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but Kwankwaso has insisted that he would only think about quitting the NNPP if he was assured a ticket for president or vice president.
