Atiku, PDP Built on Lies — Kwankwaso Denounces Alleged 2027 Pact

Kehinde Fajobi

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has refuted claims of an agreement among opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, to rotate the presidency from 2027.

Speaking in an interview with Radio France International’s Hausa Service, Kwankwaso criticised the alleged narrative, describing it as fabricated and harmful.

“I was terrified about the information I got that the PDP are meeting clerics and other leaders and in their last meeting, which involved about 45 clerics, that we reached an agreement that Atiku (Abubakar) will serve one term, and myself will also serve one term and Peter Obi will serve two terms. This is a lie, I never took part in any agreement,” he said.

The NNPP leader expressed disappointment in what he called deceitful behaviour by older politicians.

“I was deeply angered about the information. Elderly people aged 70 to 80 years will sit and lie, telling clerics and other leaders something that never happened.

“I am still alive and healthy. There is no way you can assemble over 40 people without me having two or three among them that will inform me of what transpired in the meeting.

“This is not good for personality to lie. If a government is formed on the basis of lies, it’s like starting a foundation on a weak structure,” Kwankwaso remarked.

He accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being a “dead party” seeking alliances to remain relevant.

“With these lies, we can’t believe such people that they can only serve one term in office if you entrust them with leadership,” he said.

Kwankwaso cited dishonesty and internal conflicts as reasons he, Peter Obi, Nyesom Wike, and others abandoned the PDP.

He claimed his move to the NNPP brought him peace and a departure from a party that mistreated him and his supporters during critical moments.

Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, declined immediate comment, stating he would review Kwankwaso’s interview before issuing a response, according to Premium Times.