Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has expressed willingness to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate chosen by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the party’s decision
Kwankwaso, who recently joined the opposition coalition in the NDC alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, disclosed that the party had agreed to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.
Speaking on Arise TV’s PrimeTime programme, the former Kano governor said the decision followed consultations with party leaders and stakeholders nationwide.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready”, he affirmed.
“Right from day one, we sat down together and we looked at the situation on the ground in the country and we decided to take a major decision, including zoning the presidency to the South for four years and after that, the Presidency will return to the North”, he added.
Kwankwaso explained that several northern politicians accepted the arrangement because they believed it would help resolve long-standing controversies surrounding power rotation in the country.
“We believe that the best place to take it is to the South so that we can eliminate the confusion that emanated from the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. What is key now is not the Presidency from the North or South, but rather to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
He also revealed that he and Obi had already discussed strategies for tackling insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria.
“Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity. I have worked together with people across board and I am sure of my capacity.”
“We might still work together before election days. We had to leave because of issues that are very detrimental. So, we are not fighting anybody,” he stated.
Kwankwaso further argued that the 2027 election would largely be influenced by young Nigerians seeking change in leadership.
“The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country but we have to realize that it is the turn of youth.I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023,” Kwankwaso added.
According to him, the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement share similar values and could collaborate effectively.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” he said.
Kwankwaso also criticised governors across the country, accusing many of relying heavily on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political survival ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our governors have made so much mistakes. I can tell you that all the governors are relying on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win elections,” he said.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”
