Rabiu Kwankwaso says his daughter encouraged him to work with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, long before both politicians eventually aligned under the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, the former Kano State governor said the moment reflected a growing disconnect between Nigeria’s older political class and a younger generation with different political thinking.
He said, “Even in the 2023 election, in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi. She didn’t say she was Obidient, but she wanted me to work together with him.”
Kwankwaso explained that the influence of both his Kwankwasiyya movement and Obi’s support base goes beyond regional or ethnic boundaries, noting that supporters can be found across different social groups and locations.
He said, “You will be surprised, even in your house or anybody’s house in the south, there may be Kwankwasiyya people there… but they may not speak out because they don’t want to offend you.”
According to him, Nigerian politics is increasingly being shaped by younger citizens who think beyond ethnicity and religion, unlike many older politicians.
He added, “People of my age or Atiku’s age are few compared to the younger generation. The younger people have their own way of thinking… they are looking for the right leadership for this country.”
He added, “People of my age or Atiku’s age are few compared to the younger generation. The younger people have their own way of thinking… they are looking for the right leadership for this country.”
He and Peter Obi recently joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress on May 3 after leaving the African Democratic Congress amid internal disagreements.
