A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed optimism about securing the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, said the development could pave the way for Kano to eventually produce Nigeria’s president.
He spoke during an interview aired over the weekend on Premier Radio.
“By God’s grace, the next election will be unlike anything that has ever happened in our state and country, especially if I secure the ticket and my name is on the ballot,” Kwankwaso said.
“Since the First Republic, despite our struggles and political wisdom, Kano has never produced a vice president. This is both disappointing and deeply saddening, but by God’s grace, it will be corrected.
“Kano state will rightfully secure this position, which will open the door for our state to eventually produce the president of this country.
“People from the south who understand what is happening are already registering with our party. The north, especially the north-west, must be careful and ensure they do what is right so they do not make a decision they will deeply regret.”
Kwankwaso and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently moved from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Reports indicated that both politicians agreed to contest the 2027 election on a joint ticket, with Obi expected to emerge as the presidential candidate while Kwankwaso would serve as running mate.
Nigeria’s political system has, over the years, operated around an informal power-sharing arrangement between the northern and southern regions. Many political stakeholders have argued that power should remain in the south until 2031 before returning to the north.
Kwankwaso’s comments appeared to suggest that if Obi wins the presidency in 2027 and he becomes vice-president, the arrangement could place him in a strong position to seek the presidency after Obi’s tenure.
