The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has confirmed that Peter Obi agreed to serve only one four-year term if elected president in 2027. He said both leaders signed a written agreement before accepting the party’s presidential ticket.
Speaking on Channels Television, Kwankwaso said he was confident Obi would honour the agreement. He explained that they signed separate documents to formalise the arrangement and strengthen their political partnership.
“I personally believe him. Based on what I know about him, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen, and we have agreed to put it on paper.”
Agreement designed to promote national balance
Kwankwaso said the agreement allows both leaders to govern together from 2027 to 2031. After that, power would return to the North. He described the arrangement as fair and capable of promoting national unity.
The former Kano State governor said he accepted the vice-presidential nomination because both leaders agreed the South should complete another presidential term. He added that the party remains focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.
NDC confident despite legal challenge
Kwankwaso dismissed concerns that legal disputes surrounding the NDC’s registration could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 general election. He said he did not expect any court to stop the party from contesting the polls.
He also expressed confidence in the party’s chances. According to him, recent opinion polls and growing support among young Nigerians point to a strong outing in the next election.
Kwankwaso questions APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket
Kwankwaso defended the principle of religious balance in Nigerian politics. He said political parties should consider fairness and inclusiveness when selecting candidates for elective offices.
The former defence minister recalled choosing a Christian cleric as his running mate in the 2023 election. He said he was surprised President Bola Tinubu retained a Muslim-Muslim ticket for 2027 despite the controversy it generated four years earlier.
“You see, fairness is always good.”
Asked whether the same-faith ticket would remain an issue in the next election, Kwankwaso answered in the affirmative.
“It has to be. I am even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket. He still has time from now till the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket.”
Atiku blames Tinubu’s policies for hardship
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar blamed the country’s economic hardship on President Bola Tinubu’s policies. Speaking through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigeria cannot achieve lasting prosperity through imports and borrowing alone.
He urged the country to invest more in agriculture, manufacturing, technology and value addition. According to him, stronger local production would create jobs, strengthen the naira and reduce dependence on imports.
Atiku also said an ADC administration would improve security in farming communities. He promised better infrastructure, affordable credit for farmers and manufacturers, a stable naira and tax reforms that reward production.
Presidency dismisses Obi’s political influence
The Presidency also criticised Peter Obi, accusing the former Anambra State governor of encouraging political extremism. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala claimed Obi had failed to restrain some of his supporters.
Bwala denied suggestions that the Presidency was preoccupied with Obi. He said government officials only responded when journalists requested their reaction. He also argued that Obi posed no political threat to President Tinubu while accusing the former governor of introducing a dangerous style of politics.
Read also: Atiku, Kwankwaso pay tribute to Peter Obi on 65th birthday
