The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has pledged that former Kano state governor Rabiu Kwankwaso will serve as his vice president “as a partner, not a spare tyre,” if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Obi reveale d this in his acceptance speech following his nomination as the NDC presidential candidate, contained in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.
The former Anambra state governor formally announced Kwankwaso as his running mate on Saturday.
Obi and Kwankwaso contested the last presidential election, finishing third and fourth respectively.
They trailed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, who were declared winners of the poll.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano state governor, stood for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and won only in Kano, where he retains significant political influnce.
Obi spoke about his emergence as a call to national service, promising to create a “New Nigeria” based on unity, security, economic development, and accountable governance.
He thanked party officials, including National Chairman Seriake Dickson, the National Secretary, the National Working Committee (NWC), and party members around the country.
Obi described Nigeria as being at a “crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty,” citing increased insecurity, economic hardship, and falling public trust in governance.
On national unity, he cautioned against ethnic, religious, and regional differences, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength rather than a source of contention.
In addressing insecurity, he stated that the situation has worsened.
“In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026.
“Yet, for many years, Nigeria garnered global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, regional stabilisation, and conflict resolution. Our troops have not only displayed bravery but have also shown professionalism, discipline, resilience, and empathy in the most challenging operational contexts.
“Our officers and personnel have successfully commanded multiple international forthe ces, safeguarded vulnerable civilian populations, monitored ceasefires, reinstated constitutional order, and contributed to rebuilding efforts.
“Nigeria became one of the leading contributors of troops from Africa to UN peacekeeping missions and earned widespread admiration for operational effectiveness and leadership in various countries, including Rwanda, Sudan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Western Sahara, Congo, Lebanon, Cambodia, Haiti, and Kuwait. At one pointin a Nigeria, Lt. General Isaac Obiakor (rtd) even led global peacekeeping initiatives.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property.”
Speaking on healthcare, he said Nigeria’s health system remained weak, with only 10–20 per cent of about 30,000 primary healthcare centres operational and low health insurance coverage of about 10 per cent.
He promised to boost health insurance coverage to more than 20% in four years and healthcare funding to at least 10% of GDP.
He also committed to rehabilitate primary healthcare centers across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, as well as enhance health worker staffing and training.
On education, Obi stated that investment in human capital will be important to his government, and that schools, teachers, and vocational training would be prioritized to boost productivity and creativity.
On agricultural and food security, he expressed concern about Nigeria’s global hunger ranking and stated that over 35 million Nigerians are expected to endure acute food insecurity this year, according to the World Food Programme.
He stressed the need to transform agriculture through investment, describing Nigeria’s uncultivated land as a key national asset.
On energy, he said Nigeria currently generates about 4,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 million people, far below comparable countries, and pledged to increase generation by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
Speaking on unemployment, he said official figures understate reality, arguing that true unemployment and underemployment exceed 30 per cent, with youth unemployment above 40 per cent.
He pledged support for micro, small and medium enterprises through tax incentives, funding access, and targeted sectoral interventions.
Obi also promised to reduce corruption and governance costs, strengthen the rule of law, and deepen democratic institutions.
“Following this, I will make democracy work and the Vice President will be a partner, not a spare tyre. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM as my Vice President,” he said.
