An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Goriola Yakub, has warned former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, against becoming Peter Obi’s running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Yakub said accepting the role could make it harder for Kwankwaso to achieve his own ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president in 2031.
The APC chieftain made the comment amid growing talks about a possible political alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election. Obi, on the other hand, contested the same election under the Labour Party.
Both politicians remain influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics. Their possible alliance has therefore generated considerable interest among political observers and supporters.
However, Yakub believes Kwankwaso needs to think beyond the 2027 election before making any major political decision.
According to daily post,he said becoming Obi’s running mate may offer Kwankwaso an immediate political opportunity. But it could also weaken his chances of seeking the presidency on his own four years later.
The APC chieftain’s warning comes at a time when opposition politicians are considering different strategies for challenging the ruling party in 2027.
For Kwankwaso, the decision could be particularly important because of his long-standing presidential ambition. He has previously sought the presidency and remains a major political figure in the North.
Yakub’s argument is that Kwankwaso should protect that ambition rather than accept a position that could place him behind another presidential candidate. The debate over a possible Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is likely to continue as the 2027 election draws closer.
While supporters of an alliance may see it as a chance to build a stronger opposition, others are already questioning what such an arrangement could mean for the political future of both men.
For Yakub, the bigger question is not simply who wins in 2027, but where Kwankwaso’s decision would leave him when the 2031 presidential race begins.
