Former presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate selected by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party’s decision would remain final.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s PrimeTime programme, Kwankwaso disclosed that the opposition coalition within the NDC had already agreed to zone the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year tenure.
The former Kano State governor explained that the decision followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders and leaders across the country.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further explained that the coalition carefully reviewed the country’s political situation before arriving at the zoning arrangement.
“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 said.
According to Kwankwaso, many northern politicians who joined the coalition accepted the arrangement because they believed it would help resolve lingering political tensions surrounding power rotation since the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
“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 added.
Kwankwaso also revealed that he and Obi had already begun discussions on strategies to address 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,” he said.
The former governor further hinted at the possibility of a future political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar despite past disagreements.
“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 maintained that the 2027 elections would largely be influenced by Nigerian youths demanding a new direction for the country.
“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,” he said.
He also noted that both 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 added.
Kwankwaso went on to criticise 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 claimed.
He concluded by saying that political realities in the North had changed significantly, adding that voters were now more focused on leadership quality than material inducements.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does,” Kwankwaso said.
Elijah Adeyemi
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