Chidinma Iroegbu
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged to run an inclusive administration with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as an equal partner if elected in 2027.
Obi spoke on Saturday in Abuja after he was affirmed as the NDC presidential candidate and officially unveiled Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, as his running mate for the 2027 election.
He said the proposed administration would depart from the traditional structure where vice presidents are sidelined in national decision-making processes.
“The vice president will not be a spare tyre,” Obi said, adding that governance under the NDC would be based on consultation, partnership and collective responsibility.
Obi stated that his alliance with Kwankwaso was built on shared priorities, particularly in education, security and inclusive governance.
He described Kwankwaso as a political leader committed to national development and capable of contributing significantly to the administration’s policy direction.
Kwankwaso and Obi were presidential contenders in the 2023 general election on separate political platforms before joining the NDC on May 3 after exiting the African Democratic Congress.
In the 2023 election, Obi contested on the Labour Party platform and finished third, while Kwankwaso, candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, placed fourth after winning Kano State.
Obi also reiterated his promise to serve only one four-year term if elected president in 2027, stressing that his administration would focus on reducing the cost of governance and cutting wasteful spending.
The NDC candidate said the proposed reforms were aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges while promoting accountability, efficiency and national stability.