All Progressives Congress in Kano State has expressed surprise at a Sallah celebration hosted by New Nigeria Peoples Party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which brought together prominent opposition figures including Peter Obi and former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson.
The meeting took place on Sunday at Kwankwaso’s Miller Road residence and also included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Kwankwaso later shared photos on his verified X account, describing the event as a moment of unity.
“Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration,” he wrote. “Wishing everyone peace, blessings, and prosperity.”
APC Publicity Secretary Auwal Mai-Nage said the gathering raised questions about Kwankwaso’s political priorities.
“We are genuinely surprised to see Kwankwaso and Peter Obi aligning in this manner. This is a Muslim gathering, yet Obi is widely perceived as having limited engagement with Muslim communities,” Mai-Nage told reporters. “For Kwankwaso to prioritise such alliances over local considerations raises serious questions about his political strategy.”
He also criticised the turnout, noting: “For an event that brought together two presidential candidates and key opposition leaders, the attendance was notably low. Even a local government chairman in Kano can mobilise a larger crowd.”
Observers view the gathering as an early sign of potential opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, following Kwankwaso’s earlier closed-door meeting with Makinde in Ibadan. The Kano APC, however, downplayed its immediate threat to the ruling party in the state.
