Former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has openly declared his willingness to serve as running mate to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in the 2027 presidential election if the proposed opposition coalition agrees on the arrangement.
Kwankwaso made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s PrimeTime programme on Monday night, further fueling discussions surrounding a possible political alliance between two of Nigeria’s most influential opposition figures ahead of the next general election.
The former presidential candidate stressed that Nigeria’s current challenges require competent and visionary leadership rather than continued debates about regional power rotation between the North and South.
According to Kwankwaso, the priority for Nigerians should be electing leaders who are genuinely committed to solving the country’s worsening insecurity, economic instability, unemployment crisis, and governance failures.
“What is important now is not whether the president comes from the North or South. What matters most is having quality leadership that can move this country forward,” Kwankwaso stated during the interview.
Southern Presidency Arrangement Gains Momentum
The development comes amid growing reports that Peter Obi may emerge as the preferred presidential candidate of the newly strengthened opposition coalition under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
Kwankwaso explained that leaders within the coalition agreed that allowing the South to complete another term in office would help maintain political balance, national stability, and strengthen unity among opposition forces preparing to challenge the ruling government in 2027.
The former senator noted that the coalition’s primary objective is to present a credible alternative capable of restoring hope and confidence among Nigerians who are increasingly frustrated with the country’s direction.
“I Will Gladly Work With Peter Obi” – Kwankwaso
When asked directly whether he would accept the position of vice-presidential candidate if Obi secures the party’s ticket, Kwankwaso responded positively, saying he would gladly work with any southern candidate chosen by the party.
“Yes, certainly. If the party decides that I should serve as running mate to a southern candidate under the current circumstances, I will happily work together with him,” he said.
His statement has already sparked political conversations across the country, especially among supporters of both the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who many believe could form a formidable political force ahead of the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso also praised Obi’s leadership qualities, describing him as one of the few Nigerian politicians with the competence, discipline, and vision needed to transform the country.
According to him, the combination of both leaders would offer Nigerians a strong and credible alternative focused on national development rather than ethnic or religious politics.
“Personally, I do not think there is a better combination for Nigeria at this moment. We are talking about people who genuinely want to do the right thing for the country,” he added.
Nigerians Want Competence, Not Ethnic Politics
Kwankwaso further argued that many Nigerians, especially young people, are no longer interested in divisive politics based on ethnicity or religion.
He said the increasing hardship across the country has shifted public attention toward leaders who can deliver practical solutions and improve living conditions.
The former governor highlighted insecurity, inflation, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising poverty as major issues pushing citizens to demand genuine political change ahead of 2027.
According to him, Nigerian youths are becoming more politically conscious and are now prioritising competence, accountability, and performance over political sentiments.
“Young Nigerians are looking for leaders who can truly fix the country, and I believe they are right to demand that,” Kwankwaso stated.
Kwankwaso Dismisses Concerns Over Northern Support
Addressing concerns that an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance may struggle to gain acceptance in Northern Nigeria, Kwankwaso dismissed such claims, insisting that the suffering currently experienced across the country cuts across all regions.
He maintained that Nigerians are more focused on finding solutions to economic hardship and insecurity than protecting regional political interests.
Kwankwaso also revealed that members of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement had already been working together informally across several states even before coalition talks became public.
APC Criticised Over Economic Hardship
The former Kano governor used the opportunity to criticise the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing many political leaders and governors of being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the 2027 election will not be determined solely by party structures, financial resources, or political influence, but by the growing frustration among citizens struggling with economic hardship and declining living standards.
Political analysts believe that if the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance eventually materialises, it could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape and become one of the strongest political coalitions heading into the 2027 presidential race.
