2027: Obi names Kwankwaso as running mate, rejects “spare tyre” vice presidency model

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (Nigeria Democratic Congress), has announced that he will run an inclusive, partnership-based government with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso if elected president in 2027.

Obi made the announcement on Saturday during the party’s national convention in Abuja, where he formally unveiled Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate.

Kwankwaso, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, previously contested the 2023 presidential election, while Obi ran under the Labour Party (Nigeria). Both candidates finished behind former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, who was declared winner of the election.

Kwankwaso secured victory only in Kano State, where he maintains strong political influence.

Speaking at the convention, Obi rejected the notion of a ceremonial vice presidency, saying his administration would treat the office as a full governing partnership.

“The government we intend to form will no longer be a government where anybody will say that the vice president is a spare tyre,” Obi said.

He added that decisions would be made jointly and through consultation, stressing equality at the top level of government.

“The vice president will be a partner because we want to build a nation where there are two equal people who work for the greatness of the country,” he said.