A mob of Rabiu Kwankwaso fans loudly yelled Peter Obi’s name as the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate visited Kano’s traditional Kwankwasiyya Eid celebration on Sunday.

The crowd, many of whom wore the Kwankwasiyya movement’s characteristic red hats, chanted Kwankwaso’s name together with Obi’s as both men acknowledged the enthusiasm and offered brief statements.

Kwankwaso, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was hosting Obi during the celebrations.

The ex-minister also met with Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde and former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson at his Kano mansion.

Addressing the crowd, Obi said the visit was not political but aimed at celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr and honouring Kwankwaso.

“I’m here to felicitate with you on the occasion of Sallah and to pay my respect to our leader,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor also spoke about the need to revitalise Kano’s industrial base.

“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano,” he said.

“What we want to do is bring back the power of Kano — all those factories in Bompai, Sharada 1, Sharada 2, Bank of the North—we want to bring all of them back. Today is not politics; it is the celebration of Sallah.”

Speculation has been growing about a possible Obi/Kwankwaso joint presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi has since formally moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Kwankwaso has stated he will only leave the NNPP if he is guaranteed either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket on whatever platform he joins.