Prominent opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, converged on Kano State in a move seen as part of early coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leaders paid a Sallah visit to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence in Kano on Sunday.
The visit brought together key opposition actors and supporters, with discussions centred on strengthening alliances and exploring strategies for the 2027 elections.
Addressing a large gathering of Kwankwasiyya supporters, Obi reiterated the need for a united opposition, expressing optimism about capturing power in the next election cycle.
“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also assured residents of Kano that efforts would be made to revive the state’s economic base, particularly its industrial sector.
He said plans were underway 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.
He, however, maintained that the visit was not politically motivated but was primarily to celebrate the Sallah festival with the people of the state.
“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 Sadauki Gwale, called for a political alliance between both 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,” he said.
He added that a coalition combining Obi’s support base in the South and Kwankwaso’s influence in the North could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
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