2027: Obi Signed One-term Agreement, Says Kwankwaso

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would serve only one four-year term if elected in 2027.

According to Kwankwaso, he and Obi signed agreements committing them to a rotational power arrangement between the South and the North in which the candidate signed a pact of one term.

Speaking during a Channels Television ‘Politics Today’ interview, Kwankwaso said the alliance between himself and Obi was built on shared ideals, similar policy blueprints, and a common objective of addressing Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.

Responding to questions about reports that he had previously ruled out serving as a vice president, Kwankwaso said political realities had changed.

He argued that with President Bola Tinubu already occupying the presidency from the South, it was appropriate for the region to complete another four-year tenure before power returned to the North.

“The circumstance has changed to the extent that together we felt that the presidency should go to the South for four years. Thereafter, it will come back to the North.”

Kwankwaso disclosed that the agreement had been formally documented.

“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us.”

Asked directly whether Obi had committed to serving only one term, he replied: “Oh yes. I personally believe him. I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, he will change his mind when the time comes.”

According to him, the agreement provides that power would rotate back to the North after four years in office if the NDC wins the 2017 presidential election.

THE KWANKWASO INTERVIEW

How did your partnership with Peter Obi come about?

Before the 2023 election, representatives from Peter Obi’s then Labour Party and our party compared our policy blueprints and political visions. After reviewing the reports, we agreed that working together was the best way forward to bring positive change to Nigeria.

You once said you would never deputise anyone. Why did you agree to be Peter Obi’s running mate?

The political circumstances have changed. Nigeria currently has a president from the South, and we believe the presidency should remain in the South for another four years before returning to the North. That arrangement promotes national unity and fairness.

Is the plan for Peter Obi to serve one term before power returns to the North in 2031?

Yes. We have short-term, medium-term and long-term plans. We believe Obi should serve four years, after which power should rotate back to the North.

Has Peter Obi formally agreed to serve only one term?

Yes. I personally believe him. We are gentlemen, and we have also put the agreement in writing.

Did both of you sign an agreement?

Yes. We signed one agreement for the party and another between Peter Obi and me.

What exactly does the agreement say?

It provides that after four years in office, we will continue working together as a party and as friends, and power will return to the North after the 2027–2031 tenure.

What changed your opinion about Peter Obi?

Through our discussions, I discovered he is a serious politician who has Nigeria at heart. He is someone one can rely on, and we found that our policy blueprints share the same vision and mission for the country.

Why should Nigerians support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket?

Nigeria faces enormous challenges, particularly insecurity, economic hardship, poor infrastructure and education. We believe we have the energy, competence and determination to tackle these problems and move the country forward.

Have you shared responsibilities between yourselves, with Obi focusing on the economy and you on security?

We will work together as one team. We will also involve experts and technocrats from across the country to solve Nigeria’s challenges.

Do you have a solution to Nigeria’s insecurity?

Yes. Our 2023 blueprint contains practical solutions. Security requires intelligence gathering, better training, improved welfare, and equipment for security agencies, as well as community participation.

What is the single most important step to ending insecurity?

Political will. Once leadership demonstrates commitment and mobilises both the military and citizens, insecurity can be tackled effectively.

Will you negotiate with terrorists?

We will talk to everybody. Where dialogue is necessary, we will engage, but we will also deploy the military and other security agencies whenever required.

Is President Bola Tinubu doing something wrong in addressing insecurity?

I am not an insider, but judging by the results, some things are either not being done or being done incorrectly. The Commander-in-Chief must show stronger political will.

Specifically, what should President Tinubu be doing?

The military is capable and well-trained. They should have adequate equipment, munitions and clear directives to defeat terrorists. Leadership at the highest level is essential.

Can an Obi-Kwankwaso administration end insecurity?

Certainly. We will act from day one. We have a history of taking action immediately, unlike previous administrations that delayed governance.

Why didn’t you eventually join the APC?

There was never any plan for me to join the APC. My discussions with President Tinubu were about working together for Nigeria, not about leaving my party.

Were you offered a ministerial appointment?

There were several proposals at the time, but that is now history.

Can Peter Obi defeat President Tinubu in 2027?

Yes. I believe Nigerians will witness many surprises in the 2027 election, and they will favour the NDC.

Critics say you are only influential in Kano State. How do you respond?

Kano alone has enormous electoral strength. Northern Nigeria accounts for more than half of registered voters. When you combine my support in the North with Peter Obi’s support in the South, it becomes a formidable national coalition.

Ali Modu Sheriff claimed Kano voters would reject your alliance with Peter Obi. What is your response?

He was not serious. Even my political opponents know I remain very strong in Kano. Time will prove the strength of our support.

Can Peter Obi win votes in Northern Nigeria?

Certainly. In the last election, Peter Obi secured over two million votes in the North. Together, the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement will attract even greater support.

How do you respond to allegations in the United States linking you to religious persecution and extremism?

I have no assets outside Nigeria to freeze. Those allegations have been cleared, and I have nothing to do with such activities.

Do you think Nigerians will reject another Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027?

I believe Nigerians prefer fairness and inclusiveness. Although Muslim-Muslim tickets are constitutional, a balanced ticket gives every group a sense of belonging.

Are you worried that legal disputes involving the NDC could stop your party from contesting the election?

Not at all. I do not believe any respected court would prevent the NDC from participating in the 2027 election.

What if President Tinubu defeats Peter Obi in 2027?

Based on the figures and opinion polls we have seen across the country, I do not believe that will happen. We are confident that our ticket has the support of Nigerian youths and the wider electorate.

Any final message to Nigerians?

I appeal to Nigerians to register with the NDC so that together we can bring the positive change the country needs.