Kwankwaso Urges Nigerians to Reject Tribal, Religious Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections

|By Chinwendu Nwani

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Speaking during an interview with Trust TV on Sunday, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said national unity and inclusive politics remain critical to the country’s democratic future.

Kwankwaso stressed that northern Muslims cannot achieve political success without the support of Christians and voters from southern Nigeria.

“We must look beyond tribe and religion,” he said.

“We are Northerners and Muslims, and everybody knows that, but we cannot play politics without Christians, the South-East, South-South or South-West.”

The former Kano State governor also praised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a widely accepted political figure across southern Nigeria and parts of the North.

“If you look at it, Peter Obi is a very popular politician in the entire South and many parts of Northern Nigeria, and you cannot take that away from him,” Kwankwaso said.

He also highlighted the growing influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement, noting that its support base is largely made up of young Nigerians seeking economic opportunities and political change.

“We are lucky that our supporters are mainly young men and women who are looking for a way out. They are not looking for their brothers, sisters or somebody close,” he added.

Kwankwaso’s remarks come amid increasing political alignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election.