Former Kano Governor Says Agreement Would Return Presidency to the North After Four Years
UNITY TIMES Political Desk
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Nigeria’s evolving opposition coalition has taken another dramatic turn after former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso publicly confirmed that he and Peter Obi signed a written agreement limiting an Obi presidency to a single four-year term if elected in 2027.
Speaking during a televised interview, Kwankwaso said the agreement was reached to preserve Nigeria’s informal power-sharing tradition between the North and South.
“I personally believe Peter Obi will honour the agreement,” Kwankwaso said, expressing confidence that the arrangement would strengthen trust within the coalition.
A Strategic Political Calculation
Although Nigeria’s Constitution permits a president to seek two four-year terms, Obi has repeatedly suggested he would consider serving only one term if elected, arguing that restoring governance, rebuilding institutions and stabilising the economy require urgent national consensus rather than prolonged political calculations.
Political analysts say the formalisation of such an understanding could reassure northern stakeholders while broadening the opposition’s electoral appeal.
Supporters argue that a written commitment enhances credibility and demonstrates political sacrifice in the interest of national unity.
Critics, however, insist that political agreements cannot override constitutional provisions and that only the electorate can determine whether an incumbent president deserves re-election after four years.
Implications for 2027
The revelation is expected to reshape campaign messaging ahead of 2027.
It also places additional pressure on other opposition parties and the ruling APC as coalition negotiations continue.
Whether the agreement ultimately strengthens opposition unity or generates fresh controversy remains to be seen, but analysts agree it has already become one of the defining issues of Nigeria’s early presidential contest.