Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso says he is willing to serve as running mate to Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, a move that could strengthen emerging opposition coalition talks ahead of the vote.
Kwankwaso made the comments during an interview on ARISE News PrimeTime on Monday night, as opposition figures continue discussions aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He said Nigeria’s immediate priority should be competent leadership rather than debates over whether the presidency remains in the North or shifts to the South.
“What is key now is not presidency from the North or from the South. What is key is to have quality leadership — people who are determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
Kwankwaso said coalition leaders had agreed that southern Nigeria should complete another presidential term before power returns to the North, describing the arrangement as necessary to promote unity and political stability.
He added that Obi was emerging as a central figure within the coalition, following what he said was a zoning decision by the National Democratic Congress to field its 2027 presidential candidate from the South.
When asked if he would accept a vice-presidential slot under Obi, Kwankwaso said he would support any southern candidate chosen by the coalition.
“Yes, you can be sure. If the party decides that I should be the running mate of any candidate from the South, under the circumstances, I would be happy to work together with him,” he said.
Kwankwaso, who ran in the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, described Obi as one of the few politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“Personally, I cannot remember any better combination … to find those who can beat us in terms of doing the right thing for this country,” he said.
He said growing hardship, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure decay were pushing Nigerians, especially young people, to demand more accountable leadership.
“Young people are looking for the right leadership for this country, and I think they are absolutely right,” he said.
Kwankwaso dismissed concerns that a potential Obi-Kwankwaso alliance would weaken northern support, arguing that many Nigerians were more focused on national conditions than regional politics.
He added that supporters of the Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya Movement had already been collaborating informally across the country before formal coalition talks intensified.
He also criticised the ruling APC, accusing some of its officeholders of being disconnected from the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, and said the 2027 election would likely be shaped by public frustration over economic and security challenges rather than party strength or financial influence.
