Former Kano State Governor and 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, has revealed that his decision to join Peter Obi on a joint ticket was driven by a commitment to equity, national balance, and democratic change.
Speaking during a News Agency of Nigeria interview series in Abuja, Kwankwaso stated that his experience following the 2023 elections allowed him to understand Obi better, convincing him that both leaders could collaborate effectively in the national interest.
The alliance follows extensive consultations involving the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the Obidient Movement. According to Kwankwaso, these groups agreed that addressing Nigeria’s mounting security concerns, decaying infrastructure, and agricultural distress, particularly among Northern farmers, requires a balanced ticket capable of securing support across both Northern and Southern regions.
He noted that the agreement allows the South to hold the presidency for one term before the arrangement returns to the North, ensuring regional fairness: “People learn every day, and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi. But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with.”
Addressing his decision to accept the running mate position despite his long career as a deputy speaker, governor, minister, and senator, Kwankwaso stated that public office should focus on service rather than personal ambition.
Drawing on historical precedents such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, he maintained that agreeing to serve as vice-president is a step forward, adding: “To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah. But the fact remains that the situation, as it is today, one has to look at it beyond your humble self.”
“Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today.”
Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Obi would treat him as an active partner rather than a passive deputy, pointing out that empowering a vice-president strengthens governance as a whole. Dismissing claims that his discussions with other political parties were tied to securing specific tickets, he stated:
“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember. We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice president cannot do it alone.”