The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained why he selected former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, saying the decision was driven by their shared commitment to education, poverty reduction and national development.
Speaking in an interview with The Sun published on Sunday, Obi said the partnership was founded on common values and a shared vision of building a better Nigeria through transformational leadership.
According to the former Anambra State governor, Kwankwaso’s long-standing investment in education and human capital development closely aligns with his own agenda for rebuilding the country.
“Kwankwaso has the philosophy of pulling people out of poverty.
“I have the same philosophy. Kwankwaso believes in education. You cannot change society without education.
“Education is going to change society. Nigeria must invest in developing its human capital. Kwankwaso believes in this. I do. We have synergy,” Obi said.
Obi: Partnership Is Based on Shared Values
Obi stressed that his alliance with Kwankwaso was not a political arrangement built on personal interests but one focused on solving Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
He said both leaders are committed to creating opportunities for Nigerians through education, economic reforms and good governance.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate maintained that the partnership represents a move away from what he described as transactional politics towards transformational leadership.
“We want to change society and make it better. We want to pull people out of poverty, not the other way around,” he said.
Obi Dismisses Rift Rumours
Obi also dismissed speculation suggesting that disagreements had emerged between him and his running mate.
According to him, reports of internal divisions within the NDC presidential ticket are unfounded.
“I don’t know why people talk about differences between people who are working together. Have you ever seen us quarrelling?
“People quarrel because of transactional governance. I am not into transactional government. I am into transformational governance,” Obi stated.
How the Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Emerged
Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates of different political parties during the 2023 general election.
Obi contested on the platform of the Labour Party, while Kwankwaso flew the flag of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Ahead of the 2027 elections, both politicians initially participated in a broader opposition coalition that included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, internal disagreements and legal disputes within the coalition led Obi and Kwankwaso to join forces under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where they now form the party’s presidential ticket.
We’re Focused on the Future’
Responding to questions on why such an alliance did not materialise before the 2023 election, Obi said he was more interested in Nigeria’s future than revisiting past political decisions.
“Those who think about yesterday and today will miss tomorrow. The past is gone. We are talking about the present,” he said.
Obi Confident Obidient, Kwankwasiyya Supporters Will Work Together
The former governor also rejected concerns that supporters of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement may struggle to work together.
He insisted that both groups share a common objective of transforming Nigeria.
“People are gravitating to what is right. We have no problem whatsoever. Our followers want a changed and better society,” Obi added.
What It Means for the 2027 Election
The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is expected to be one of the major political forces challenging for the presidency in the 2027 general election.
Political observers believe the partnership could reshape the electoral landscape by combining Obi’s support base across southern Nigeria with Kwankwaso’s political influence in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.
Whether the alliance translates into electoral success will depend on voter acceptance, campaign strategy and the broader political dynamics ahead of the polls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Peter Obi choose Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate?
Obi said he chose Kwankwaso because they share similar views on education, poverty reduction and transformational governance.
Did Peter Obi deny reports of disagreements with Kwankwaso?
Yes. Obi dismissed reports of a rift, saying there has been no disagreement between them.
Which party are Obi and Kwankwaso contesting under?
They are contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
What is Obi’s main reason for the alliance?
According to Obi, both leaders believe that investing in education and human capital is key to lifting Nigerians out of poverty and transforming the country.