Kwankwaso to be Obi's Vice President in 2027 Elections

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Mr. Peter Obi, has promised that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso will be his vice president "as a partner, not a spare tyre," if he wins the 2027 elections.

Obi made this statement in his acceptance speech after he was nominated as the NDC presidential candidate. This was shared in a post on his X account on Sunday.

PUNCH Online reports that the former governor of Anambra state officially named Kwankwaso as his running mate on Saturday.

Both Obi and Kwankwaso ran in the previous presidential election, finishing third and fourth respectively. They followed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, who won the election.

Kwankwaso, who was a governor of Kano state, ran for the New Nigeria Peoples Party and only won in Kano, where he still has strong political support.

In his speech, Obi called his nomination a call to national service. He promised to work towards what he calls a “New Nigeria” based on unity, security, economic reform, and accountable governance.

He thanked party leaders, including National Chairman Seriake Dickson, the National Secretary, the National Working Committee, and party supporters nationwide.

Obi mentioned that Nigeria is at a “crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty.” He pointed out the rising insecurity, economic hardship, and decreasing public trust in the government.

He warned against ethnic, religious, and regional divisions, saying that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength, not conflict.

On the issue of security, he said the situation has become worse.

"In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.

"Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilization, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only shown bravery but also professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging situations.

"Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded several international forces, protected vulnerable civilians, monitored ceasefires, restored constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

"We must tackle insecurity with determination and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its people live in fear. The government’s main job is to protect lives and property."

Regarding healthcare, he said Nigeria’s health system is weak, with only 10 to 20 percent of about 30,000 primary healthcare centers operational and health insurance coverage around 10 percent.

He promised to raise health insurance coverage to over 20 percent in four years and increase healthcare funding to at least 10 percent of GDP.

He also pledged to improve primary healthcare centers in Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and better training and staffing for health workers.

On education, Obi said investing in human capital would be key for his government, stressing that schools, teachers, and vocational training would be prioritized to boost productivity and innovation.

On agriculture and food security, he expressed worry about Nigeria’s global hunger ranking. He said over 35 million Nigerians are expected to face acute food insecurity this year, according to the World Food Programme.

He emphasized the need to change agriculture through investment, calling Nigeria’s uncultivated land a key national asset.

On energy, he noted that Nigeria currently produces about 4,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 million people, which is far lower than similar countries. He promised to raise electricity generation by at least 10,000 megawatts in four years.

On unemployment, he said the official numbers do not reflect reality, claiming that real unemployment and underemployment rates exceed 30 percent, with youth unemployment above 40 percent.

He promised support for micro, small, and medium enterprises through tax incentives, easier access to funding, and specific sector support.

Obi also vowed to cut corruption and governance costs, strengthen the rule of law, and improve democratic institutions.

"Following this, I will make democracy work and the Vice President will be a partner, not a spare tyre. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM as my Vice President," he stated.