Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has described the 2027 presidential election as a major choice between Nigerians seeking change and what he called “the oppressors.”
Kwankwaso made the remarks while receiving South-East leaders and members of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) at his Abuja residence.
The delegation, led by the South-East KNN Coordinator, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, briefed the former Kano State governor on the group’s mobilisation activities ahead of the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso reportedly urged Nigerians to look beyond political party lines and unite around the need to change the country’s direction.
“It is not about me, it is about us,” he was quoted as saying.
He also urged voters to reject electoral fraud and vote-selling, saying short-term personal benefits should not be allowed to determine the country’s future.
Kwankwaso cited the recent Osun governorship election as an indication that votes could count if Nigerians remained determined to protect their mandates.
The former governor also highlighted insecurity, poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity and water supply, declining education standards and agricultural challenges as areas requiring urgent attention.
According to Ukpai, Kwankwaso promised that education would be a priority under an Obi-Kwankwaso administration.
He also referenced the historic political partnership between the North and South-East, citing former President Shehu Shagari’s choice of Alex Ekwueme as vice-president during the Second Republic.
“The North has always worked in alliance with the South, especially the South-East.”
Kwankwaso further described the NDC as the country’s biggest opposition platform and expressed confidence that its political influence would continue to expand.
South-East Targets Five Million Votes
The South-East KNN delegation pledged to work towards delivering at least five million votes for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket across the region.
Ukpai said the regional network had become more organised and enthusiastic about the alliance, adding that its grassroots mobilisation would be intensified ahead of the election.
KNN National Coordinator Asiwaju Mashood Shitu also praised the South-East structure, describing its activities as a sign of growing support for the political movement.
The group said its focus would not only be on winning votes but also on protecting the people’s mandates during the election.
Ukpai said the meeting ended with renewed commitment to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and translate support for the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance into votes in 2027.
Source: Statements attributed to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai.
