Real reason I chose to be Obi’s running mate – Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has revealed that his choice to serve as the running mate to Mr. Peter Obi in the 2027 election stems from a commitment to national balance, equity, and fostering democratic change. Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, shared his perspective during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, explaining that his understanding of Obi has deepened over the past four years, convincing him of their potential to work effectively for the country's benefit.

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People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi. But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with.

Kwankwaso elaborated that the decision was made after extensive consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Obidient Movement. He noted a shared belief among these groups that Nigeria requires a balanced ticket capable of garnering support from both the northern and southern regions.

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The country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.

The senator highlighted Nigeria's pressing security challenges, declining agricultural productivity, and deteriorating infrastructure as critical factors strengthening his resolve to support a political arrangement that can enact democratic change. He specifically pointed to the economic hardship affecting farmers in Northern Nigeria and the widespread infrastructure decay, with few exceptions like Lagos, as reasons why the country needs the kind of democratic transformation sought in 2015, but now with greater urgency.

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The current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.

Kwankwaso asserted that the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would present a formidable combination of regional balance, competence, and credibility. He expressed confidence that their ticket would be unmatched in its credibility, capacity, and dedication to the nation, coupled with empathy for the suffering citizens. He also clarified that accepting the role of vice-president would be a step forward, not a setback, given his extensive political background, including roles as deputy speaker, governor, minister, and senator.

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Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today.