Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has declared his readiness to support Peter Obior any other presidential candidate produced by the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso stated that the party’s decision would be final and binding on all members.
The former Kano State governor, who recently aligned with the opposition coalition in the NDC alongside Obi, disclosed that the party had already agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.
He made the disclosure during an appearance on PrimeTime.
According to him, the zoning arrangement was reached after extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” Kwankwaso said.
He explained that the decision was part of a broader strategy to promote national unity and address lingering political tensions around power rotation.
“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.
Kwankwaso said many northern politicians who joined the NDC accepted the arrangement because they considered it the best way to resolve longstanding disputes over regional power sharing.
According to him, the move is partly aimed at correcting political uncertainties that followed the death of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
“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.
The former governor stressed that quality leadership should now take precedence over regional sentiments.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso also revealed that he and Peter Obi had already begun discussions on national security challenges.
He said their conversations had focused particularly on strategies for tackling insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
“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.
He further hinted at the possibility of a future alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakardespite past political 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.
Kwankwaso argued that the 2027 election would likely be shaped by Nigeria’s youth population, whom he described as increasingly determined to seek a new political direction.
“The fact remains that so many things have changed in this country but we have to realize that it is the turn of youth. I remember my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement could work effectively together.
According to him, both groups share similar values and discipline.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also used the interview to criticise governors across the country, accusing many of depending heavily on Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political survival ahead of the next election.
“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 said.
He added that political realities in Northern Nigeria were changing.
“Things have changed. Northerners no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does,” he remarked.
What You Should Know
Kwankwaso’s comments are politically significant because they suggest growing unity within the opposition coalition under the NDC ahead of 2027.
His willingness to serve as running mate to a southern candidate, including Peter Obi, signals an attempt to build a broad national alliance based on power rotation and strategic compromise.
If sustained, cooperation between the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements could reshape opposition politics and create one of the strongest electoral coalitions against the ruling APC.
