The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged that his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would play a central leadership role rather than occupy a symbolic office.
Obi made this known at the NDC national convention in Abuja while unveiling the former Kano governor as his vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
According to Obi, his administration would depart from the traditional structure where vice presidents are often reduced to ceremonial figures.
“The government we plan to build will not treat the vice president as a spare tyre. The vice president will be a true partner. We will govern through consultation, shared responsibility and collective decision-making”, said Obi.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said Kwankwaso shares his core beliefs on governance, particularly in the areas of education, security, equity and national development.
“He believes in creating opportunities, strengthening institutions and building a country where every citizen can thrive. We will work together to deliver that vision,” Obi stated.
The Obi-Kwankwaso alliance brings together two leading opposition figures who finished third and fourth in the 2023 presidential election.
Both politicians recently defected to the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress over concerns about the party’s future direction.
