Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said he is ready to support Peter Obi or any other presidential candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso said the party’s decision would be supreme, adding that he was prepared to serve as running mate if the NDC asks him to do so.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that he spoke during an appearance on Arise TV’s PrimeTime programme.
Kwankwaso said the NDC had agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term after consultations with party leaders and stakeholders.
He said, “If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready.
“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 said many northern politicians in the NDC accepted the zoning arrangement because they believed it would address political tension over power rotation.
He said, “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, Obi Discuss Insecurity
Kwankwaso said he and Obi had discussed ways to tackle insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria.
He said, “Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity. I have worked together with people across the board, and I am sure of my capacity.”
He also hinted at the possibility of working with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar before the election.
“We might still work together before the election days. We had to leave because of issues that are very detrimental. So, we are not fighting anybody,” he stated.
Kwankwaso said the 2027 election would be shaped largely by young Nigerians seeking a new direction for the country.
He said, “The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country, but we have to realise that it is the turn of youth. I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023.”
He added that the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement shared similar ideals.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” he said.
Kwankwaso also criticised governors, alleging that many were relying on President Bola Tinubu for political survival.
He added, “Our governors have made so much mistakes. I can tell you that all the governors are relying on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win elections.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does.”
