Former LP vice-presidential candidate says Kwankwaso’s political stature makes a deputy role difficult, highlighting growing tensions in opposition coalition talks.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, has cast doubt on the practicality of fielding Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a running mate to Peter Obi in any opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Baba-Ahmed questioned the rationale behind the suggestion, arguing that Kwankwaso’s extensive political résumé makes it unlikely for him to accept a subordinate role on a joint ticket.

Kwankwaso, a former two-term governor of Kano State, ex-minister, senator, and former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, is widely regarded as a heavyweight in Nigerian politics. According to Baba-Ahmed, such standing creates a natural barrier to the idea of him deputising another presidential contender.

His comments underscore emerging fault lines within opposition ranks as political actors weigh potential alliances and power-sharing arrangements ahead of 2027. While coalition talks have gained traction in recent months, questions around hierarchy, influence, and personal ambition continue to pose significant challenges.

Baba-Ahmed did not rule out the possibility of collaboration among opposition figures but stressed that any credible alliance must reflect the realities of each stakeholder’s political clout and expectations.