Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has declared his readiness to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor of Kano State insisted that the decision of the party would be supreme in the build up to the polls. Kwankwaso who recently aligned with the opposition coalition in the NDC alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi confirmed that the party has already agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four year term.
Speaking on the Arise TV PrimeTime programme, the former governor confirmed that the decision was reached after extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the country. He expressed his willingness to serve in any capacity determined by the party. He stated, “If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready”. Kwankwaso explained that the leadership had assessed the current state of the nation before arriving at the zoning resolution. He added, “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”.
The former governor noted that many northern politicians within the party accepted the arrangement to address long standing political tensions regarding power rotation. He remarked, “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.”
Kwankwaso further revealed that he and Peter Obi have already held discussions focused on tackling insecurity, particularly in the northern region. He stated, “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 also hinted at a possible future alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar despite their previous political differences. He said, “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.”
The politician argued that the 2027 election would be largely driven by young Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country. He shared a personal anecdote regarding his daughter’s influence on his political outlook. He stated, “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 observed that the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement share similar ideals. He said, “The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients.”
Kwankwaso also criticised state governors across the country for their political strategies. He claimed many were depending heavily on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their political survival ahead of the 2027 elections. He stated, “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 concluded by noting a shift in the expectations of voters in the North. He remarked, “Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”
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