The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained that his decision to pick former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election was informed by their shared commitment to tackling poverty through education and economic development.
Speaking in an interview published on Sunday, Obi said both leaders share a common philosophy centred on investing in human capital and creating opportunities that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s long-standing belief in education and poverty reduction aligns closely with his own vision for national transformation.
“Kwankwaso has the philosophy of pulling people out of poverty. I have the same philosophy. He believes in education, and you cannot transform any society without education,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that education would remain the cornerstone of his administration if elected, arguing that Nigeria’s future depends on developing its human capital.
Obi also dismissed reports of disagreements between himself and Kwankwaso, insisting that both men remain united in their quest to build a better Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
He attributed many political disputes in the country to what he described as “transactional governance,” maintaining that his alliance with Kwankwaso is driven by a desire for transformational leadership rather than personal or political gain.
“We are not into transactional governance. We want to transform society, create opportunities and lift people out of poverty,” he said.
Reflecting on why a similar alliance did not materialise before the 2023 presidential election, Obi said he preferred to focus on the future instead of dwelling on missed opportunities.
He noted that discussions should centre on Nigeria’s future rather than past political calculations.
Addressing concerns about integrating supporters of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Obi expressed confidence that both groups are united by a common aspiration for a better country.
According to him, the movements are driven by a shared desire to see meaningful reforms and improved governance, making collaboration easier.
Obi and Kwankwaso contested separately in the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, respectively.
Both politicians later joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress after exiting an earlier opposition alliance, citing internal disputes and legal challenges within their former political platform.
