Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso says his decision to seek the vice-presidential ticket alongside Peter Obi for the 2027 election is based on a shared vision for changing the way Nigeria is governed.
Kwankwaso made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, as political parties and candidates step up preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The former governor said Nigerians were confronting serious economic and security challenges, including rising food prices, unemployment, increasing business costs and persistent insecurity.
“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.
He said terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence continued to disrupt communities, threaten livelihoods and leave families living in fear.
Kwankwaso argued that farmers needed adequate protection to return to their farms and that children should be able to attend school without security concerns.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.
He also listed education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform among the areas requiring urgent government intervention.
He said, “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 his decision to work with Obi was not motivated by ethnic, religious or personal interests.
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“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.
According to him, the proposed partnership is centred on building a government that is accountable to citizens, expands economic opportunities and gives Nigerians a fair chance to succeed.
“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 said.
The former governor called on Nigerians, particularly young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals, to take a more active role in the political process.
He urged political actors to focus on issues affecting citizens rather than allowing the campaign to degenerate into divisive politics.
“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.
Kwankwaso described the 2027 election as a crucial opportunity for Nigerians to decide the direction in which the country should move.
He called on supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly.
“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.
Kwankwaso’s comments come as the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso partnership takes shape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with both politicians positioning their alliance as an alternative to the major political establishment.