Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has revealed that one of his daughters advised him to work with Peter Obi during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election, made the disclosure on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.
The former Kano State governor said the advice from his daughter reflected the thinking of many young Nigerians who are more interested in competent leadership than ethnic or religious politics.
According to him, many older politicians in Nigeria have failed to understand the changing political attitude of younger citizens, especially in the age of social media.
Kwankwaso said the younger generation now places more value on good governance, credibility and national development rather than old political divisions.
“So many things have changed in this country,” he said during the interview.
“You have leaders, many of whom don’t even realize what is happening on social media. We have leaders who hardly have any contact with young men and women.”
The former governor noted that Nigeria’s population is largely made up of young people whose political views differ greatly from those of older politicians.
He said many political leaders still focus heavily on religion and ethnicity, while young Nigerians are demanding practical solutions to insecurity, unemployment, poverty and economic hardship.
Kwankwaso explained that even within his family, younger members openly expressed support for political cooperation between him and Peter Obi during the 2023 election.
“You will be surprised, even during the 2023 election, in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi,” he said.
“She didn’t say she was obedient, but she wanted me to work together with him, and vice versa.”
The comment is likely to renew public discussion about the political relationship between Kwankwaso and Obi, two major opposition figures whose supporters had pushed for an alliance before the 2023 presidential election.
Before the election, there were several reports and political meetings aimed at forming a coalition between the Labour Party and the NNPP.
Many Nigerians, especially young voters, believed that a united front between Obi and Kwankwaso could have created a stronger challenge against the two dominant political parties — the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
However, the talks eventually collapsed, and both men contested separately.
Peter Obi later emerged as one of the biggest political surprises of the 2023 election after gaining massive support from young Nigerians, especially urban voters and social media users.
His supporters, popularly known as the “Obidient Movement,” became one of the most active political groups during the election period.
Kwankwaso, on the other hand, maintained strong support in Kano State and parts of northern Nigeria through the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Although Kwankwaso did not directly state whether he regretted not working with Obi, his latest comments suggest he understands the growing political expectations among younger Nigerians.
The former governor said many older politicians do not fully understand the mindset of the younger generation.
“So you see, there is a lot happening in this country, but people at that level we are talking about don’t even understand,” he said.
“People are talking about religion. People are talking about ethnicity. People are talking, especially those at our level and age, but the younger people are looking for the right leadership for this country. And I think they are absolutely right.”
His remarks come at a time when discussions about the 2027 general election are already beginning to shape political conversations across the country.
Several opposition politicians are reportedly considering alliances and coalitions to challenge the ruling APC in the next presidential election.
There have also been increasing calls from civil society groups and political commentators for opposition leaders to unite if they hope to defeat the ruling party in 2027.
Kwankwaso remains one of the influential political figures in northern Nigeria and continues to command loyalty among members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Similarly, Peter Obi still enjoys strong support among many young Nigerians despite losing the 2023 presidential election.
The former Kano governor’s comments also highlight the growing influence of young people in Nigerian politics.
The 2023 election witnessed increased youth participation, with many first-time voters actively involved in campaigns both online and offline.
Social media platforms such as X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram became major tools for political mobilisation, especially among young Nigerians.
Many young voters used these platforms to discuss governance, accountability and economic challenges facing the country.
Issues such as unemployment, insecurity, rising cost of living, education and economic opportunities are now becoming more important in political debates.
Kwankwaso’s remarks may therefore resonate strongly with many young Nigerians who believe the country needs fresh political thinking and stronger cooperation among opposition leaders.
For now, neither Kwankwaso nor Obi has publicly confirmed any alliance talks ahead of 2027.