- Kwankwaso faults APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket
- Atiku blames Tinubu’s policies for economic hardship
- Presidency attacks Obi
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has confirmed that he and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, signed a written agreement committing Obi to serve only one four-year term if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kwankwaso said he was confident Obi would honour the agreement, which provides for the presidency to return to the North after a single southern term.
“I personally believe him. Based on what I know about him, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen, and we have agreed to put it on paper,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano State governor disclosed that two separate agreements were signed—one by the NDC and another personally between himself and Obi—to guarantee the arrangement.
According to him, both leaders agreed to work together to ensure a successful administration between 2027 and 2031 before power shifts back to the North.
Kwankwaso said he accepted the vice-presidential nomination because both leaders agreed that allowing the South one more presidential term would promote fairness, equity and national unity.
He added that although the party is mindful of its long-term political plans, its immediate priority is securing victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The former defence minister also dismissed concerns that legal challenges over the NDC’s registration could stop the party from participating in the election, expressing confidence that the courts would not prevent Nigerians from making their choice at the polls.
Citing internal opinion polls, he said the NDC ticket enjoys growing support, particularly among young Nigerians.
Kwankwaso faults APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket
Kwankwaso also renewed his criticism of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, insisting that religious balance remains important in Nigeria’s diverse society.
While stressing that there is nothing inherently wrong with candidates of the same faith, he argued that fairness and inclusiveness should guide political parties.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Kwankwaso noted that he deliberately chose a Christian cleric as his running mate to foster national inclusion.
He expressed surprise that President Bola Tinubu retained Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 election despite the controversy generated by the same-faith ticket in 2023.
“It has to be,” Kwankwaso said when asked whether the Muslim-Muslim ticket would remain an issue in 2027, adding that the APC still has time before the substitution deadline to reconsider its ticket.
Atiku blames Tinubu’s policies for economic hardship
Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria’s economic hardship stems from government policies that encourage consumption and import dependence instead of local production.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s prosperity depends on producing, manufacturing and exporting more locally made goods.
He proposed measures including improved security for farmers, lower import duties on industrial machinery unavailable locally, affordable credit for farmers and manufacturers, tax reforms, infrastructure development and stable electricity to revive the economy.
Presidency attacks Obi
Also reacting to the political developments, Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala accused Peter Obi of leading what he described as a movement of “political extremists”.
Bwala dismissed suggestions that Obi poses a serious challenge to President Tinubu, insisting the President remains politically stronger.
He also rejected claims that the Presidency is fixated on Obi, saying government officials only respond when prompted by comments from Obi’s supporters.
