Why I Picked Kwankwaso As My Running Mate – Peter Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained why he selected former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Obi spoke during an interview published on Sunday, where he said the decision was based on their shared commitment to reducing poverty through education, human capital development and economic growth.

According to him, both leaders have similar ideas about improving the country and believe that education is the foundation for lasting national development.

He said he and Kwankwaso are committed to building a society where more people have access to quality education, better opportunities and improved living conditions. Obi added that developing Nigeria’s human capital remains one of his top priorities and that Kwankwaso shares the same vision, making them suitable partners for the 2027 election.

The former Anambra State governor also dismissed reports suggesting there were disagreements between him and Kwankwaso.

He maintained that they have continued to work together without conflict and said claims of division were unfounded. Obi blamed many political disagreements in the country on what he described as transactional politics, adding that his focus is on transforming the country rather than pursuing personal political interests.

He said their goal is to improve the lives of Nigerians by reducing poverty and creating a better society through good governance and development-focused policies.

Obi and Kwankwaso both contested the 2023 presidential election but finished behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obi ran on the platform of the Labour Party, while Kwankwaso contested as the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

In 2026, Obi, Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar formed a political alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, Obi and Kwankwaso later left the coalition and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing internal disagreements and legal disputes within the ADC.

Speaking on why he and Kwankwaso did not form an alliance before the 2023 election, Obi said he prefers to focus on the future instead of dwelling on past political events.

He also dismissed concerns over how supporters of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement would work together ahead of the election.

According to Obi, both groups are united by the desire to see a better Nigeria. He said their supporters share the same dream of national transformation and improving the welfare of the people, adding that he does not expect any difficulty in bringing them together behind a common goal.