Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso says the worsening challenges facing Nigeria influenced his decision to join Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential ticket, arguing that the country needs leadership focused on competence, accountability and national interest.
He disclosed this in a message to Nigerians marking the beginning of the 2027 presidential campaign.
Kwankwaso said the country was facing serious difficulties, including rising living costs, unemployment and insecurity, alongside inadequate investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
He also pointed to the pressure confronting businesses and the difficulty many young Nigerians face in finding meaningful employment.
According to the former governor, insecurity has continued to affect communities and livelihoods, with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping among the problems confronting the country.
He said farmers need security to return to their farms and children need safe schools.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.”
Kwankwaso said Nigeria nevertheless possesses the human and material resources required to achieve greater prosperity and security. In his view, the country requires leaders prepared to place citizens’ interests ahead of personal considerations.
The former Kano governor also explained that his decision to work with Obi followed a period in which he became more familiar with the former Anambra governor.
In a interview, he said his assessment of Obi changed after the two had more opportunity to understand each other.
“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with.”
Kwankwaso said consultations involving members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the Obidient Movement also formed part of the process that produced the partnership.
He said the arrangement was intended to promote national balance and equity.
He further maintained that accepting the vice-presidential position should not be regarded as a step backward, citing his previous experience as deputy speaker, governor, minister and senator.
Kwankwaso and Obi are contesting the 2027 presidential election on the ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, with Kwankwaso serving as the vice-presidential candidate. The former Kano governor said the partnership was based on Nigeria’s interests rather than regional, religious or personal considerations.
