A former mayor in the United States, Mike Arnold, has publicly rejected the idea of a political alliance between former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections, describing such a partnership as a “national disaster.”

Arnold made the remarks in a lengthy post shared Monday night on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he stated that although he sees some promise in Obi, he would strongly oppose any presidential ticket involving Kwankwaso.

According to him, Nigeria needs a fresh political direction rather than what he called a repackaging of old political structures. He argued that changing political alliances without changing the system itself would not solve the country’s challenges.

The former mayor accused Kwankwaso of remaining loyal to the northern Sultanate establishment throughout his political career despite moving across several political parties over the years. He also alleged that Kwankwaso’s time in government was linked to controversial religious and security issues.

Arnold further claimed that during the post-9/11 global war on terror, sensitive operations involving countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia were known only to a few top Nigerian officials, including Kwankwaso, who served as Nigeria’s Defence Minister at the time.

He also referenced the 2006 military plane crash that killed several senior Nigerian Army officers, as well as another air disaster involving the late Sultan Muhammadu Maccido and members of his family, suggesting there were unanswered questions surrounding both incidents.

In his criticism of Kwankwaso’s administration in Kano State, Arnold pointed to the implementation of Sharia law and the establishment of the Hisbah Board, which enforces Islamic moral regulations in the state.

The former mayor also mentioned past corruption allegations involving pension funds and procurement contracts allegedly linked to Kwankwaso and his associates. He referenced reports of investigations by the EFCC and other panels, although many of the allegations remain unresolved in court.

Arnold concluded by insisting that he would oppose any presidential ticket involving Kwankwaso, regardless of who emerges as the presidential candidate, urging Obi to consider a different running mate if he hopes to gain broader support.