Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso explained his decision to run alongside former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the partnership is driven by a shared desire for a different approach to governance.
Kwankwaso, who is seeking the vice-presidential position alongside Obi, said Nigeria had reached a critical point, with rising food prices, unemployment, high business costs and insecurity placing increasing pressure on citizens.
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As the 2027 political season gathers momentum, Kwankwaso said Nigerians should carefully consider the kind of country they want to build for future generations.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.
The former governor identified insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, as one of the major challenges confronting communities and livelihoods across the country.
He also pointed to education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform as areas requiring urgent attention.
“Our education and healthcare systems require urgent investment. Our infrastructure must be improved, our institutions strengthened, and public resources managed with greater transparency and accountability,” Kwankwaso said.
Against that backdrop, Kwankwaso backs Obi as the two politicians seek to present their alliance as an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 poll.
Kwankwaso said the decision was not motivated by regional calculations, religious considerations or personal ambition.
“This is why I have chosen to work with His Excellency, Peter Obi, on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor said the proposed administration would focus on accountable leadership, economic opportunity and greater inclusion.
“We believe in a country where government serves the people, where hard work is rewarded, where young people can build successful futures at home, and where every citizen has a fair opportunity to prosper,” he said.
The alliance brings together two prominent political figures who have built substantial support bases in different parts of the country.
Obi emerged as a major national political force during the 2023 presidential election, when he contested under the Labour Party and finished third, while Kwankwaso contested under the New Nigeria Peoples Party and finished fourth.
Their decision to work together therefore represents a significant attempt to consolidate political support ahead of the next presidential contest.
The partnership also comes as Nigeria’s major political blocs begin positioning themselves for the 2027 election.
Issues including the cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and economic reforms are expected to remain central to the political debate.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians, particularly young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals, to become more involved in the political process.
He also called for campaigns to remain focused on policy rather than ethnic or religious divisions.
“Let us move beyond politics of division and focus on the issues that affect our daily lives. Let us demand accountability, competence and results from those entrusted with public office,” he said.
His remarks place governance and economic opportunity at the centre of the Obi-Kwankwaso campaign message, while attempting to frame the alliance as a national rather than sectional project.
Kwankwaso further urged supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly as political activity intensifies ahead of the election.
The former governor said the 2027 election would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to determine the country’s future direction and called on voters to assess candidates on their ability to deliver meaningful change.
“I therefore call on all Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and all candidates of the NDC and join us in the task of rebuilding our nation,” he said.
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With the political landscape already beginning to take shape, the coming months are likely to test whether the partnership can translate its message of unity and reform into broad national support.
