Kwankwaso denies working for Tinubu, dismisses allegations

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed allegations that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are secretly working to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by splitting the opposition.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Kwankwaso said the claims were baseless and politically motivated, stressing that their alliance is driven by a shared commitment to national development.

Responding to the allegations, he used a Hausa proverb, saying: “If the person talking is foolish, the listener should be wise.”

Kwankwaso noted that the NDC, though relatively new, has experienced rapid growth in membership within a short period, adding that the partnership with Obi is centered on common ideological goals.

“We are a new party, but our membership is increasing rapidly. In less than three months, we have attracted many members. Peter Obi and I share similar ideas and plans for development in education, agriculture, and human capital development,” he said.

He explained that both leaders agreed to work together to promote an alternative vision focused on welfare and national progress.

Kwankwaso also addressed concerns over tensions between NDC supporters and those of other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying he had never instructed his supporters to attack anyone.

“I have never directed my followers to attack Atiku, nor have I attacked him directly. I am confident he will not instruct his supporters to attack us either. Any issues between the camps are being fueled by a few mischievous individuals,” he said.

On criticisms surrounding his earlier remark describing the office of the vice president as a “spare part,” Kwankwaso said Obi had assured him of meaningful responsibilities in government.

“Peter Obi publicly stated that I will not be sidelined. There are many responsibilities we will handle for the good of the country, and that is how it should be,” he said.

He further explained that his acceptance of the vice-presidential role was based on respecting Nigeria’s informal power rotation between the North and the South.

“I agreed to serve as vice president because it is currently the turn of the South. To avoid confusion, we agreed he would run, and after his tenure, power would return to the North,” he said.

Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Obi would honor an alleged agreement to serve only one term.

“I believe Peter Obi is a gentleman who will keep his word to serve one term to complete the South’s turn, after which the presidency will return to the North,” he added.