By NAOMI SHARANG

Vice-Presidential Candidate of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, says his decision to be running mate to Mr Peter Obi in the 2027 election is for national balance, equity and democratic change.

Kwankwaso said this when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.

He explained that his experience from the 2023 election had helped him understand Obi better and that he was convinced that both of them could work together in the interest of the country.

Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, said the decision was also influenced by the need to allow the South to retain the presidency for another term after the completion of an eight-year tenure by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“People learn every day and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.

“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,” he said.

He said that the decision was reached after consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.

He said that the groups believed that the country needed a balanced ticket capable of attracting support from both the North and the South.

Kwankwaso said the security challenges confronting the country, alongside declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure further strengthened his resolve to support a political arrangement capable of bringing democratic change.

He said the economic hardship had particularly affected farmers, especially in Northern Nigeria, where agricultural production had become increasingly difficult and unprofitable.

The former Defence Minister said the dilapidation of infrastructure across the country, except in some areas such as Lagos, was another reason for accepting to pair with Obi.

He said the current situation required the kind of democratic change that Nigerians sought in 2015, adding that the need for such change was now greater.

Kwankwaso said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would provide a combination of regional balance, competence and credibility.

“Nobody, no ticket can beat our own in terms of credibility, in terms of capacity and of course, in terms of love for the country; even in terms of empathy for the poor that are suffering across the country today,” he said.

He explained that agreeing to serve as vice-president was not a setback for him, despite his extensive political experience, including serving as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, governor, minister and senator.

“I have never been the vice-president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted,” he said.

Kwankwaso said his decision was based on a broader national interest rather than personal ambition, stressing that public office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve.

“To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice-president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.

“But the fact remains that the situation, as it is today, one has to look at it beyond your humble self,” he said.

He said the agreement with Obi was for the South to produce the president for one term, after which the political arrangement would return to the North.

Kwankwaso cited historical examples of political leaders who had accepted positions below what they could have attained, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, who chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria rather than becoming Prime Minister.

He also said Nigerians should understand that service could be rendered at different levels, including as councillor, local government chairman, legislator, governor, minister, vice-president or president.

According to him, political leaders should be prepared to serve wherever they are needed, rather than considering certain offices beneath them.

He dismissed claims by political opponents that his political engagements with the All Progressives Congress (APC) or other parties were contingent on securing either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

Kwankwaso said discussions he held with President Bola Tinubu after the 2023 election were about working together and not about abandoning NNPP or securing a particular position.

He said he had previously played a major role in the APC’s electoral victory, particularly through the votes recorded in Kano in 2015, but became disappointed with the party’s leadership after the election.

The former governor said his confidence in the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance was strengthened by what he described as Obi’s commitment to fairness, justice and national unity.

He said the arrangement would also ensure that the North would not be disadvantaged, stressing that the one-term understanding was important in securing the confidence of his supporters.

Kwankwaso said he was confident that Obi would respect the agreement and work with him as a partner rather than treat the vice-president as a “spare tyre.”

He said his experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had taught him the importance of allowing deputies to function effectively.

According to him, a president or governor who gives his deputy meaningful responsibilities ultimately strengthens the government because the success of the deputy also benefits the principal.

He said he was therefore comfortable with the proposed arrangement and had confidence that Obi would allow him to contribute meaningfully to governance.

Kwankwaso said the alliance would prioritise competence in the appointment of ministers and other officials, with power shared according to the needs of the country rather than for political patronage.

“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. We should not be in a hurry to go and take anybody on the streets or anybody we remember.

“We will make sure that we have competent people because from our experience, the president and vice-president cannot do it alone,” he said.

The former governor said an NDC administration would need technocrats, professionals and experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges. (NAN)

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