2027 Nigeria Elections: Kwankwaso Calls for Unity, Competent Leadership
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Rabiu Kwankwaso, the NDC's vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 Nigerian elections, urged citizens to reject divisive politics.
- He highlighted challenges like rising food prices, unemployment, and insecurity, calling for competent and accountable leadership.
- Kwankwaso emphasized that his partnership with Peter Obi is focused on Nigeria's progress, not regional or personal interests, and encouraged support for their ticket.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nigeria's 2027 general elections, has called on Nigerians to reject divisive politics and demand competent, accountable leadership. Speaking ahead of the official campaign period, Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, urged citizens to reflect on the nation's current state and the future they wish to leave for subsequent generations.
The rising cost of food and essential goods has placed enormous pressure on families. Millions of young Nigerians are searching for meaningful employment and opportunities, while businesses are struggling with high operating costs.
Kwankwaso pointed to pressing issues such as the escalating cost of food and essential goods, which he said places immense pressure on families. He also highlighted the widespread unemployment among Nigerian youth and the high operational costs burdening businesses. Furthermore, he addressed the persistent insecurity, characterized by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which he stated continues to threaten communities, claim lives, destroy homes, and disrupt livelihoods. "Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear," Kwankwaso stated.
Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear.
Beyond these immediate concerns, Kwankwaso advocated for significant investment in education and healthcare, the improvement of infrastructure, the strengthening of national institutions, and enhanced transparency and accountability in public resource management. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about Nigeria's potential, citing the nation's abundant people, resources, and inherent potential to build a prosperous and secure future. He stressed the need for leadership that possesses the competence, courage, and commitment to prioritize the interests of Nigerians.
What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first.
Kwankwaso also clarified the basis of his political alliance with Peter Obi, stating that their partnership on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is driven by a commitment to Nigeria's well-being, transcending regional, religious, or personal ambitions. "Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria," he asserted. He appealed to various segments of society, youth, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, to join their political movement and demand accountability and results from elected officials. Kwankwaso concluded by urging support for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other NDC candidates, viewing the 2027 election as a crucial opportunity for Nigerians to chart a new course for the country.
Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria. We believe in a country where government serves the people, where hard work is rewarded and where young people can build successful futures at home.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.