By Adesakin Adefemi
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, says he is confident of securing the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Kano governor stated that clinching the slot would correct a long-standing political imbalance and position Kano State to eventually produce Nigeria’s president. He made the remarks over the weekend during an interview 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. He described the move as a historic opportunity for the North-West.
Kwankwaso noted that since the First Republic, Kano has never produced a vice president despite its political weight and population. “This is both disappointing and deeply saddening, but by God’s grace, it will be corrected,” he said.
The NDC chieftain argued that securing the vice-presidential position would open the door for Kano to produce the president in the future. He said political realignment in the country made it possible for the state to play a decisive role in 2027 and beyond.
“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,” he added.
Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, defected to the NDC earlier this month. Reports indicate the two leaders joined on the understanding that they would run on a joint ticket, with Obi as presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as running mate.
If elected in 2027, Kwankwaso said the arrangement would position him to succeed Obi in 2031, in line with Nigeria’s informal power rotation between the North and South. He maintained that the North-West must act strategically to avoid missing the opportunity.
The former defence minister’s comments signal early jockeying within the NDC as parties begin to shape alliances for the 2027 elections. Political analysts say the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket could reshape voting patterns in both the North and South.
