By Mary Onyia
Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso says Nigeria’s political trajectory has changed ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that voters, particularly in the North, now desire purposeful leadership rather than inducements. Speaking on Arise TV PrimeTime, Kwankwaso declared that northerners “no longer want rice or chicken like the other party does,” stressing that citizens are now demanding “quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves.” He explained that his alliance with Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress was driven by a shared resolve to offer Nigerians a credible alternative focused on good governance and national renewal.
Kwankwaso revealed that both leaders had already begun discussions on tackling insecurity and rebuilding public confidence in government. “Peter Obi and I have discussed a lot of ways we can tackle insecurity,” he said, adding, “I have worked together with people across board and I am sure of my capacity.” He also noted that the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements shared similar values, saying, “The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, so are the Obidients.” According to him, the NDC had already agreed to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, insisting that unity and fairness were critical to stabilising the country politically.
The former Kano governor further stated that he was ready to support Obi or any other candidate produced by the party ahead of the 2027 election. “If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” he affirmed, insisting that “the party’s decision would be supreme.” Kwankwaso maintained that the coalition’s objective was not about regional power struggle but about rescuing Nigeria through competent leadership. “What is key now is not the Presidency from the North or South,” he said, “but rather to have quality leadership.” He added that young Nigerians were increasingly shaping the political direction of the country, recalling that “my daughter told me to work with Obi in 2023,” a sign, he noted, of the growing youth-driven demand for change.