Kwankwaso Obi alliance faces criticism as APC chieftain Goriola Yakub warns the partnership could hurt Kwankwaso’s 2031 presidential ambition
APC chieftain Goriola Yakub on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, warned former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso that his decision to become Peter Obi’s running mate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress could undermine his ambition to contest Nigeria’s presidency in 2031.
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Yakub made the assessment during an interview with Trust TV, arguing that the partnership could become one of the most consequential setbacks of Kwankwaso’s political career if the former Kano governor intends to seek the presidency after the 2027 election.
The APC figure recalled that Kwankwaso had previously explained why he could not accept a vice-presidential position alongside Obi during the 2022 election cycle.
“Incidentally in 2022, Kwankwaso was explaining why himself as a Northerner can’t be a running mate to Peter Obi,” Yakub said.
According to Yakub, Kwankwaso had previously positioned himself as someone who wanted either a presidential or vice-presidential ticket, but the political circumstances surrounding the 2027 election had now changed his position.
“But I want to tell you something that it could turn out to be Kwankwaso’s worst political move if he thinks that this would help his 2031,” he said.
Yakub’s criticism centres largely on the electoral strength of Obi in Northern Nigeria. The APC chieftain argued that Obi would face difficulties building a strong political base in the region, even with Kwankwaso on the ticket.
“Kwankwaso knows Peter Obi and there is no pathway for Obi in the North,” Yakub said.
He further questioned whether Kwankwaso could deliver enough Northern support to an Obi-led ticket, given the former Kano governor’s own performance in the region during his previous presidential campaign.
“Let me give you an example, if Kwankwaso was the top of a ticket and he could not deliver the North to himself, how would he deliver the North to Peter Obi?” he asked.
The comments come as opposition parties and political figures continue to realign ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with questions about regional voting patterns, coalition-building and the long-term ambitions of leading politicians dominating political debate.
Kwankwaso previously contested the presidency under the New Nigeria Peoples Party before leaving the party and joining the NDC. He subsequently emerged as Obi’s running mate on the opposition platform.
The alliance brings together two prominent figures who have maintained separate political bases and ambitions in previous election cycles.
Its supporters view the partnership as an opportunity to consolidate opposition votes, while critics have questioned whether the arrangement can overcome regional and organisational challenges.
For Kwankwaso, the political calculation extends beyond 2027. His decision to accept the vice-presidential role could influence how his supporters and potential allies assess his prospects for another presidential bid in 2031.
Yakub’s remarks therefore reflect a wider political argument over whether a prominent politician should prioritise an immediate electoral coalition or preserve an independent pathway towards a future presidential contest.
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The ultimate impact of the alliance will depend on the performance of the ticket in 2027 and its ability to build support across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.
