Prominent opposition figures converged in Kano State over the weekend in a move interpreted as early coalition-building for the 2027 general elections.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson visited the residence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, during Sallah celebrations on Sunday.
The gathering drew key opposition actors and supporters, with discussions focusing on strengthening alliances and exploring strategies for the upcoming elections.
Addressing a large crowd of Kwankwasiyya supporters, Obi emphasised the importance of a united opposition and expressed optimism about capturing power in the next electoral cycle.
“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also pledged efforts to revive Kano’s economic base, particularly its industrial sector.
He highlighted plans to restore productivity in major industrial hubs such as Bompai and Sharada, as well as revive institutions like the defunct Bank of the North.
“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. We want to restore its industries and bring back its economic strength,” Obi stated.
However, he maintained that the visit was primarily to celebrate the Sallah festival rather than serve a political agenda.
“Today is not about politics; it is about celebrating Sallah. May Almighty Allah bless all of you,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kwankwaso-Obi Support Group, Abba Gwale, called for a political alliance between the leaders, describing it as a viable path to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“If the duo gets the opportunity, Nigeria will be a better place. We are tired of insecurity, hunger, and hardship,” Gwale said, noting that combining Obi’s Southern support base with Kwankwaso’s Northern influence could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
