- Peter Obi visited Kano to attend the Kwankwasiyya Sallah festival hosted by Rabiu Kwankwaso
- The gathering has sparked speculation about a possible 2027 political alliance or coalition
- Obi emphasised that his visit was for Sallah celebrations, not politics
- He, however, unveiled plans to revive Kano’s industrial base, referencing Bompai and Sharada industrial zones
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reiterated his vision to restore Kano’s economic strength following a high-profile visit to the residence of Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano State.
The meeting, held at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence, drew notable political figures, including Seyi Makinde and Seriake Dickson, alongside activist Naajatu Mohammed and other prominent personalities.
The gathering has intensified speculation about a possible political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly amid suggestions that Kwankwaso may consider a move from the New Nigeria People’s Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a platform Obi is now associated with.
During the annual Kwankwasiyya Sallah festival, Obi addressed a large and energetic crowd, many of whom chanted “Obi-Kwankwaso,” signalling growing enthusiasm around a potential alliance between the two political heavyweights.
Despite the political undertones, Obi maintained that his visit was primarily for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and to honour Kwankwaso.
“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of Sallah and to pay my respect to our leader. So thank you,” Obi said.
He, however, used the opportunity to outline a broader vision for Kano’s economic transformation, focusing on reviving its once-thriving industrial base.
“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is bring back the power of Kano, all those factories in Bompai, Sharada 1, Sharada 2, Bank of the North, we want to bring all of them back. Today is not politics; it is the celebration of Sallah.”
The mention of key industrial hubs such as Bompai and Sharada underscored Kano’s historical role as a manufacturing powerhouse in northern Nigeria, a status that has declined over the years.
Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the NNPP and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, welcomed the dignitaries and expressed delight at the show of unity during the festive gathering.
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts by Obi and his allies to strengthen ties with northern political figures and reconnect with key voter blocs ahead of the next general elections.
Meanwhile, discussions around a potential Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket continue to gain traction.
While Obi has reportedly solidified his move to the ADC, Kwankwaso has indicated he would only consider leaving the NNPP if assured of a presidential or vice-presidential slot.
Though both leaders downplayed political motives during the visit, the optics of the meeting, coupled with the crowd’s chants, have added fuel to conversations about a possible coalition capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape in 2027.