Chidinma Iroegbu
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the party adopted a single four-year presidential term for its 2027 candidate, Peter Obi, to preserve power rotation, declaring that the agreement was formally documented.
Kwankwaso, who spoke on Channels Television, said the arrangement would ensure the presidency returns to the North after 2031. He said, “We are all gentlemen, and we have agreed to put it on paper.”
He disclosed that two separate agreements were signed one by the party and another personally between him and Obi to guarantee compliance with the understanding.
According to him, the agreement commits both leaders to work together throughout the administration, after which power will rotate to the North. He said, “After our four-year term… power returns to the North.”
The former Kano State governor said he accepted the vice-presidential nomination because the arrangement reflects fairness, equity and national inclusion.
Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Obi would honour the agreement, saying he had no reason to doubt his commitment to the written pact.
He also dismissed concerns over the NDC’s legal challenges, insisting they would not prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election.
The former governor said the party remained optimistic about its electoral prospects, citing favourable opinion polls and increasing support from young Nigerians and other voters.
On the 2027 presidential race, Kwankwaso renewed his call for religious balance in candidate selection, arguing that inclusiveness strengthens national unity. “Fairness is always good,” he said.
He also questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retain a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 election, maintaining that political parties still have time before the substitution deadline to adjust their tickets in line with Nigeria’s diversity.