Rabiu Kwankwaso has explained why he accepted Peter Obi’s offer to become his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
The former Kano State governor said talks with Obi, consultations with supporters and concerns over insecurity influenced his decision.
Kwankwaso spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Kwankwaso Explains Why He Accepted Obi’s Offer
Kwankwaso said his political relationship with Obi developed after they contested separately in the 2023 presidential election.
He said he consulted members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and members of the Obidient Movement before accepting the offer.
“People learn every day and that is why experience is very important,” Kwankwaso said.
He said the discussions also focused on Nigeria’s security, agriculture and infrastructure problems.
Kwankwaso On Accepting The Vice-Presidential Position
Kwankwaso said he did not consider the vice-presidential position a step backwards after serving as Kano State governor, senator, defence minister and deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward,” he said.
He added: “To me, being in government is to serve.”
Kwankwaso also linked the arrangement to the agreement for Obi to serve one four-year presidential term before power returns to the North.
The former governor previously confirmed that he and Obi signed an agreement covering the one-term arrangement.
Kwankwaso And Obi Agree On Insecurity
Kwankwaso said he and Obi agreed to tackle insecurity if their ticket wins the 2027 election.
“Both of us, my humble self and Peter Obi, have agreed to tackle the issue of insecurity head-on to ensure there is peace and stability in this country,” he said.
Obi had earlier said Kwankwaso would not serve as a “spare tyre” in his administration.
Kwankwaso had also said in May that he would accept the running-mate position if the party selected him.
“If the party decides that I should be the running mate of any candidate from the south under the circumstances, I’d be happy to work together with him,” he said.
Obi Explains Choice Of Kwankwaso
Obi said he selected Kwankwaso because both politicians share views on education and poverty.
“Kwankwaso has the philosophy of pulling people out of poverty,” Obi said.
The NDC adopted Obi as its 2027 presidential candidate on May 30, 2026, and named Kwankwaso as his running mate.
The pair will contest the 2027 presidential election on the NDC ticket.
