The Labour Party (LP) has expressed its willingness to consider a partnership with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his recent offer to be Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential race.
Kwankwaso, in a viral video post, indicated his readiness to serve as Obi’s deputy, provided certain conditions are met. His statement comes nearly two years after initial merger talks between the Labour Party and the NNPP collapsed over disagreements on leadership roles.
Speaking in Hausa, the former Kano State governor acknowledged his political standing but emphasized his openness to deputizing for Obi if trust can be established. “I’m bigger than Peter Obi politically; I’m his elder brother, I’m a PhD holder, I performed better than him when I was the governor of my state. I’ve no problem with being his deputy, but only if certain conditions are met,” Kwankwaso stated.
Kwankwaso’s comments come against the backdrop of his vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly its economic policies, which he claims have worsened the plight of Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, told newsmen that the party views Kwankwaso’s renewed interest as a positive step. He urged the NNPP leader to put aside insinuations of superiority and focus on the bigger picture of forming a coalition capable of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We are happy that Kwankwaso has reconsidered his stance and is willing to offer himself as Obi’s deputy after seeing that our party garnered over six million votes in the last election,” Farouk said. “However, we advise him to drop this talk of being a bigger politician or holding a PhD. What matters is the ability to resonate with the electorate and provide good governance.”
The Labour Party leader also noted that while the current political dynamics could change by 2027, forming a united front between Obi and Kwankwaso could be crucial in wrestling power from the APC. He, however, cautioned that any partnership would likely face resistance from the ruling party.
In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi of the Labour Party finished in third place with over six million votes, while Kwankwaso secured nearly 1.5 million votes, placing fourth. Political analysts believe a coalition between the two leaders could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of the next general elections.