KANO, NIGERIA — The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, hosted several prominent opposition figures at his residence in Kano State, North-West Nigeria, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The high-level gathering took place at 6:45 pm West African Time (WAT) during the Sallah holidays, a major religious celebration for the Muslim community.
The visitors included Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) who is now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Also present were Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Senator Seriake Dickson, a former Governor of Bayelsa State representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
This meeting is significant as it occurs during a period of intense speculation regarding a potential realignment of opposition forces in the federal government of Nigeria. Analysts suggest these interactions could be the foundation of a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections. Okay News reports that this meeting follows a previous private discussion between Senator Kwankwaso and Governor Makinde in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, in February 2026.
Senator Kwankwaso shared photographs of the visit on his official social media account on Sunday evening. He expressed his pleasure regarding the visit, stating, “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.”
While the primary reason for the gathering was social, the presence of leaders from diverse political platforms like the ADC, PDP, and NDC at the home of the NNPP leader highlights a growing rapport among the opposition. As the political landscape in Nigeria evolves, stakeholders are closely watching these figures to see if a formal alliance will emerge to challenge the current administration in the next election cycle.
