Former Kano State governor and NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has revealed that one of his daughters advised him to work with Labour Party candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he reflected on the changing political mindset of younger Nigerians and the growing disconnect between the country’s older political elite and the youth population.
According to the former governor, many established political leaders still fail to understand how dramatically public opinion has evolved, especially in the age of social media and youth-driven political engagement.
He said younger Nigerians are increasingly focused on competence, accountability, and effective leadership rather than the traditional politics of religion and ethnicity that often dominate political conversations among older generations.
Kwankwaso noted that the shift in political thinking became evident even within his own family during the 2023 election season.
“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 NNPP leader said the conversation highlighted a broader reality many politicians are yet to grasp — that younger Nigerians are more interested in collaboration and leadership capable of addressing the country’s worsening economic and social challenges.
“So many things have changed in this country,” Kwankwaso stated. “We have leaders who hardly have any contact with young men and women.”
He further argued that many senior political figures continue to focus on ethnic and religious sentiments, while younger citizens are demanding practical solutions, good governance, and credible leadership.
“People are talking about religion. People are talking about ethnicity, especially those at our level and age, but the younger people are looking for the right leadership for this country,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s comments come amid continued political discussions around opposition alliances and the growing influence of youth voters in Nigeria’s electoral landscape following the 2023 general election.
His remarks are also likely to reignite conversations about the relationship between the NNPP and the Labour Party, both of which attracted significant youth support during the last presidential race.
