Why I Chose to Be Obi’s Running Mate, Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, has shared why he decided to be Mr Peter Obi's running mate for the 2027 election. He said his choice is about national balance, fairness, and the need for democratic change.

Kwankwaso spoke during the News Agency of Nigeria Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday. He mentioned that his experience from the 2023 election helped him understand Obi better. He believes that together, they can work in the interest of Nigeria.

As a former governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso noted that his decision was also about allowing the South to keep the presidency for another term after the eight years of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.

"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," he said.

He explained that this decision followed talks with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Obidient Movement. These groups believe Nigeria needs a balanced ticket that can get support from both the North and the South.

Kwankwaso highlighted the security issues in Nigeria, along with the decline in farming and poor infrastructure, as reasons for his backing of a political setup that can bring democratic change. He noted that economic challenges have hit farmers hard, especially in Northern Nigeria where farming is becoming tougher and less profitable.

The former Defence Minister pointed out that the poor state of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas like Lagos, also influenced his choice to team up with Obi. He believes the current situation calls for the type of democratic change that Nigerians wanted back in 2015.

Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a mix of regional balance, skills, and trust. "Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today," he said.

He added that becoming vice-president is not a step back for him, despite his long political experience, which includes being deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, a governor, a minister, and a senator.

"I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted," he said.

Kwankwaso stressed that his decision is more about the national interest than personal ambition. He believes public office is a chance to serve. "To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.

"But the fact remains that the situation, as it is today, one has to look at it beyond your humble self," he said.

He mentioned that he and Obi agreed the South should have the presidency for one term, after which it would return to the North. Kwankwaso pointed to past leaders who took positions lower than what they could have had, such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria instead of being Prime Minister.

He urged Nigerians to see that service can happen at different levels, whether as a councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president, or president. He believes that political leaders should be ready to serve wherever they are needed.

Kwankwaso dismissed claims from political opponents saying his past talks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were about getting the presidential or vice-presidential ticket. He explained that his discussions with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about collaboration and not about leaving the NNPP or getting a specific position.

He said he played a critical role in the APC's win in 2015, especially with the votes from Kano, but was disappointed with the party's leadership after the election. He expressed confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, citing Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice, and national unity.

Kwankwaso said this arrangement would also ensure the North is not left behind, and the one-term understanding is key to gaining his supporters' trust. He believes that Obi will stick to their agreement and work with him rather than treat the vice-president as a "spare tyre."

He said his past roles as deputy speaker, minister, and governor have taught him that giving deputies important tasks helps the government. He stated that a president or governor who empowers their deputy strengthens the government because the success of the deputy benefits the whole administration.

Kwankwaso feels good about the proposed plan and trusts that Obi will let him contribute meaningfully to governance. He stated that their alliance will focus on choosing capable ministers and officials, sharing power based on the country’s needs, not just for political favours.

"Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember.

"We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone," he said.

Kwankwaso concluded that an NDC government will need skilled technocrats, professionals, and experienced politicians to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.