Former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has explained his decision to join Peter Obi on a joint presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, saying the partnership is driven by a shared commitment to accountable governance rather than regional or religious considerations.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said the country had reached a critical juncture marked by rising food prices, unemployment, high business costs and persistent insecurity.
“As the 2027 presidential campaign officially begins, I call on every Nigerian to reflect deeply on the state of our nation and the kind of country we want to leave for the next generation,” he said.
He highlighted the impact of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, on communities and livelihoods.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” Kwankwaso said.
Beyond security and the economy, he identified education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform as priority 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,” he said.
Explaining his choice of running mate, Kwankwaso stressed that the alliance with Obi was not based on personal ambition or identity politics.
“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.
He said the ticket was focused on creating a country where government serves the people, hard work is rewarded and young people can build successful futures at home.
“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 added.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians, especially young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals, to participate actively in the political process. He called for campaigns centred on issues rather than division.
“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.
He described the 2027 election as an opportunity for citizens to determine the country’s direction and called on supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other NDC candidates to campaign peacefully.
“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.
