Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Forge Collaboration on Nigeria’s Economic Revival

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has revealed ongoing collaboration with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the northern region.

Obi made the remarks during a Sallah visit at Kwankwaso’s Millar Road country home in Kano, where he emphasized that the engagement was not primarily political but centered on strengthening relationships and fostering development initiatives.

According to him, the broader objective of the collaboration is to revive key industrial assets and stimulate economic growth across Kano and surrounding areas.

“Although we are here not for politics but to celebrate Sallah with Kwankwaso, we are building a strong association to bring back Kano and its industrial hubs,” Obi said.

He further noted that efforts would be directed toward revitalizing major industrial centres such as Bompai and Sharada, as well as restoring the operations of the Bank of the North, which he described as critical to regional economic recovery.

The gathering attracted several prominent political figures, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, alongside hundreds of guests from across the country.

The event was also attended by political stakeholders largely drawn from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fueling speculation about potential political realignments ahead of future elections.

Reports indicate that the gathering may have set the stage for Kwankwaso’s possible departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), a party currently facing internal and legal challenges. Following a recent appellate court ruling that questioned its original recognition, the faction associated with a different party symbol has gained legitimacy, further complicating NNPP’s internal structure.

In the wake of these developments, Kwankwaso has reportedly begun wide-ranging consultations, with increasing indications that he may align more closely with the ADC as political negotiations continue.