Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his temporary residence in Kano on Thursday, June 26, 2026.
Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, confirmed the visit in a statement released on Friday.
Obasanjo was in Kano for an official assignment when Kwankwaso called on him, accompanied by NDC governorship candidate for Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
The statement described the encounter as a meeting between a “statesman and former President” and the NDC’s vice-presidential flag bearer, with “warm exchanges” taking place between the political figures.
Details Kept Private — But Timing Speaks Volumes
Neither camp disclosed the substance of what was discussed. The statement from Hassan made no reference to any political alliance, endorsement, or electoral strategy.
“His Excellency, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, this night paid a courtesy visit to a statesman and former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, at his temporary residence in Kano,” the statement read.
The visit is nonetheless significant in context.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s President from 1999 to 2007, retains a powerful domestic influence and international connection that politicians seek after.
The ex-President has a long history of engaging with opposition movements and influencing the direction of national politics ahead of major elections.
In 2023 he fully backed Peter Obi, not Kwankwaso’s principal, although he has been less than vocal about who he supports this time around.
Kwankwaso, a two-term former governor of Kano State also once served as a minister of defense.
The partnership between him and Obi has repositioned both men as powerful force to be reckoned with in next year’s election.
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