Kwankwaso Denies Power-Sharing Deal with Atiku, Obi for 2027 Presidential Election

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has dismissed claims of a power-sharing arrangement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso refuted allegations that he had agreed to a rotation of the presidency, which would see him serve a four-year term, followed by Atiku for four years, and Obi for eight years. He labeled the claims as baseless and a product of misinformation spread by a faction loyal to Atiku.

“I was informed that about 45 scholars were assembled and told these false claims, which I find deeply unsettling,” Kwankwaso said. “It was alleged that I agreed to this non-existent arrangement. This is entirely untrue. Such lies and deceit were the very reasons Peter Obi, Wike, and I left [the PDP]. Now, they continue with these falsehoods, expecting us to return and support those who humiliated us.”

Kwankwaso accused the faction of attempting to rewrite history by spreading misinformation about those who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The trio—Kwankwaso, Abubakar, and Obi—contested the 2023 presidential election under different parties: New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), PDP, and Labour Party (LP), respectively. They were defeated by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rumors of a possible alliance among them to challenge Tinubu in 2027 have since circulated, but Kwankwaso categorically denied any such plans.

**On Allegations of Meddling in Kano State Governance**
Kwankwaso also addressed accusations of interference in the administration of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf. Reacting to a recent opinion piece advising Yusuf to assert his authority, Kwankwaso rejected claims of undue influence, stating he only provides guidance when sought.

He further alleged that certain political actors were working to create divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political group founded by him.

Kwankwaso’s remarks reaffirm his stance on maintaining autonomy in his political decisions while addressing ongoing speculations about his role in Kano politics and potential alliances for 2027.