Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has refuted claims of a rotational presidency agreement involving himself, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Abuja on Monday, Kwankwaso categorically denied any recent contact or discussions with the two politicians, dismissing the speculation as baseless.
Kwankwaso clarified that he has chosen to maintain political neutrality for the remainder of the year, allowing governments at all levels to focus on governance without distractions. He also accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of employing manipulative strategies to secure northern votes ahead of future elections.
Highlighting the need for historical context in any future political arrangements, Kwankwaso criticized the PDP’s alleged tactics. “For me to accept any arrangement, we have to go back to history. I understand PDP in totality. Their plan seems to involve procuring parties or rallying support through deception, particularly targeting northern voters,” he said.
He further questioned the PDP’s contributions to the North, stating, “What have they done for the North? We loved this party and worked to rejuvenate it, but they forced us out. Myself, Peter Obi, Wike, and countless others had to leave. Now, they return, seeking support for their presidential ambitions. This is appalling.”
Addressing rumors of a purported rotational presidency pact, Kwankwaso dismissed the claim as unfounded. “I heard a story that PDP brought in scholars who proposed that Atiku would rule for four years, followed by me for another four years, and then Peter Obi for eight years. This is a complete fabrication,” he said.
Kwankwaso expressed disappointment with elder statesmen allegedly propagating such falsehoods, labeling their actions as divisive and harmful to the PDP. “These deceitful strategies are part of what led to the mass exodus from the PDP. They have destabilized the party, leaving it a shadow of its former self,” he added.
The former NNPP presidential candidate reiterated his stance on remaining unaffiliated with any political agreements or alliances until further notice.
