Kano-based politician and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso hosted several prominent opposition figures at his residence on Sunday for a Sallah celebration, in a gathering highlighting cross-regional political solidarity.
According to a statement posted on Kwankwaso’s official Facebook page, the former Governor of Kano State welcomed former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Senator Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District. The meeting took place at Kwankwaso’s home in Kano State during the festive period of Eid al-Adha, commonly referred to as Sallah.
Kwankwaso described the occasion as a “joyful Sallah celebration,” posting: “Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration. Wishing everyone peace, blessings, and prosperity.” The post did not specify whether all three visitors arrived simultaneously or at different times, leaving the exact sequence of their attendance unclear.
The gathering is notable for bringing together key political players from Nigeria’s main geopolitical zones—the North West (Kwankwaso), South East (Obi), South West (Makinde), and South South (Dickson)—during a major national holiday. Obi is the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), while Makinde is a serving governor and influential figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their attendance at Kwankwaso’s residence suggests ongoing informal consultations or expressions of unity among opposition-aligned leaders, though no joint statement or policy agreement was announced.
Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of Kano and senator, is the NNPP’s standard-bearer for the 2023 presidential election. His residence has become a focal point for political activities in the North, often attracting visits from allies and opposition figures. The hosting of Obi and Makinde, both of whom are also presidential candidates in the 2023 race, fuels speculation about potential post-election alliances or coordinated strategies, particularly among candidates challenging the dominant parties.
The Sallah celebration provided a culturally significant and relatively neutral backdrop for such a meeting, occurring as the nation prepares for a hotly contested general election in February 2023. While the event itself was framed as a festive, personal hospitality, its public documentation on social media underscores its political messaging. Observers note that displays of inter-regional cooperation among major opposition figures could signal efforts to consolidate voter bases outside traditional party strongholds.
No further details about the private discussions were disclosed. The leaders are expected to return to their respective campaigns across the country, with the election campaign season officially entering its final phases. This meeting serves as a reminder of the fluid political alignments ahead of the polls, where personal relationships and regional pacts may play a decisive role.
