Kwankwaso Backs Obi, Says He’ll Support Any NDC Presidential Candidate in 2027
Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has expressed his willingness to support any candidate selected by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, including former Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso, who recently joined the opposition coalition within the NDC alongside Obi, said the party had already agreed to zone its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term as part of efforts to strengthen national unity and political stability.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s PrimeTime programme, the former Kano State governor said the decision followed extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders across the country.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” Kwankwaso said.
According to him, the coalition reached an early consensus that power should shift to the South in 2027 before returning to the North afterward.
“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 stated.
Push for Stability and National Unity
Kwankwaso explained that many northern politicians who aligned with the party accepted the zoning arrangement because they believed it would help address longstanding tensions surrounding power rotation in Nigeria.
“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,” he said.
He added that competence and leadership capacity should take priority over regional considerations.
“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 noted.
Talks With Obi on Insecurity
The former governor also disclosed that he and Peter Obi had already discussed strategies for tackling insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria, where security challenges remain a major concern.
“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.
Kwankwaso further hinted at the possibility of future political cooperation with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar despite previous 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.
Youths May Shape 2027 Election
Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria’s political landscape had changed significantly and suggested that young voters could play a decisive role in the next general election.
“The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country but we have to realize that it is the turn of youth,” he said.
Recalling conversations within his family during the 2023 election season, he added, “I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023.”
He also described the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement as groups with shared political values and discipline.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” Kwankwaso said.
Criticism of Governors
The former Kano governor also criticised governors across the country, accusing many of depending heavily on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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 added that voter expectations, particularly in Northern Nigeria, had evolved beyond traditional political incentives.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does,” Kwankwaso stated.