Kwankwaso won’t be spare tyre in government – Obi

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has picked Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, as his running mate for the 2027 poll, assuring that he would play a central role in governance if their ticket wins the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at the NDC national convention in Abuja on Sunday, Obi unveiled Kwankwaso as his running mate and pledged to run an inclusive administration anchored on consultation, shared responsibility and collective decision-making.

According to Obi, the era of treating the vice president as a ceremonial figure or “spare tyre” would be over under his administration.

“The government we intend to form will no longer be one where anybody says the vice president is a spare tyre,” Obi said.

“The vice president will be a partner because we want to build a nation where two equal people work for the greatness of the country. Decisions will be taken as partners and everybody will be consulted,” he added.

Obi formally accepted his nomination as the party’s presidential candidate and invited Kwankwaso to join him on the ticket.

“It is on this note that I graciously accept the affirmation as the candidate of this great party. In the same spirit, I am inviting Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join me as the vice presidential candidate,” he stated.

The duo contested separately in the 2023 presidential election, with Obi running on the Labour Party’s platform and Kwankwaso representing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). They finished behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu.

Explaining his choice of running mate, Obi said Kwankwaso shares his vision for transforming Nigeria, particularly in the areas of education, security and equal opportunities for citizens.

“He believes in education and security, and we will work together to ensure they become priorities of government,” Obi added.