Former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, says his daughter advised him to work with Peter Obi during the 2023 general election.

Mr Kwankwaso made the remark on Monday while appearing on an Arise TV programme, saying things have changed in the country, especially among leaders who fail to understand the influence of social media.

“We have leaders who hardly have any contact with the young men and women,” he said.

“The younger people have their own way of thinking. Even our children, you will be surprised, even in the 2023 election, in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi,” Mr Kwankwaso said.

He said his daughter never described herself as “Obidient” but wanted both politicians to work together.

“Now vice versa, you’ll be surprised, even in your house, or anybody’s house in the South, there may be Kwankwasiya people there you wouldn’t know.”

“Maybe your watchman is Kwankwasiya , maybe your houseboy that cooks for you is a Kwankwasiya,” Mr Kwankwaso added. 

Mr Kwankwaso further stated that such supporters may choose not to openly identify themselves to avoid offending others.

According to him, young Nigerians are searching for the right leadership for the country.

The remarks came days after the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) zoned its presidential ticket to South for a single term of four years.

During the 2023 general elections, Mr Obi contested under the Labour Party while Mr Kwankwaso was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Mr Obi came third in the presidential election, with Mr Kwankwaso coming fourth. Both men are now in the NDC and will likely be the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively.