Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has explained his decision to join forces with Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential election, declaring that their political alliance is driven by what he described as an urgent need to offer Nigerians a different approach to governance.
Kwankwaso, who is running alongside Obi on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, said the partnership was neither a product of regional calculations nor religious considerations, but a response to Nigeria’s economic, security and governance challenges.
In a statement released on Thursday as campaigns for the 2027 elections gathered momentum, the former governor urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s condition and the future they want for the next generation.
“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.
Kwankwaso pointed to rising food prices, unemployment, high operating costs for businesses and persistent insecurity as some of the problems demanding urgent attention.
He said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes had disrupted communities and placed enormous pressure on families and livelihoods.
“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 Kano governor also identified education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform as major priorities for any government seeking to reposition the country.
“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.
Explaining the political thinking behind the alliance, Kwankwaso said he and Obi shared a vision centred on accountable leadership, economic opportunity and inclusion.
“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 added that the ticket would seek to build a country where government works for citizens, enterprise is rewarded and young Nigerians have opportunities to prosper without being forced to seek better prospects abroad.
“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 stated.
Kwankwaso appealed particularly to young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to become active participants in the political process rather than remain on the sidelines.
He also called on candidates and their supporters to avoid ethnic, religious and other divisive rhetoric as campaigns intensify.
“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.
The former governor described the 2027 election as a defining opportunity for Nigerians to decide the future direction of the country.
He consequently urged supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly while focusing on policy and performance.
“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.
The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance brings together two politicians with significant followings in different parts of the country and is expected to feature prominently in calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential contest.
For Kwankwaso, however, the partnership must ultimately be judged beyond electoral arithmetic. His message is that the alliance should be measured by whether it can persuade Nigerians that it offers credible answers to insecurity, economic hardship, failing public services and demands for more accountable government.
