Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, says he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have signed an agreement committing to a single four-year presidential term, after which power would return to northern Nigeria in 2031.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, Kwankwaso said the agreement followed extensive consultations between both leaders and their political platforms and had been formally documented.
According to him, the arrangement is rooted in fairness, equity and national unity, with the presidency remaining in the South from 2027 to 2031 before shifting to the North.
“I personally believe him, and I don’t think, based on what I now know about him, he will change his mind when the time comes.
“We have accepted to put it on paper. We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us.”
Explaining the agreement further, Kwankwaso said:
“After four years, we will continue to work together as a group, as a party, as friends and brothers, and after our four-year term, from 2027 to 2031, power returns to the north. That is the general agreement.”
Kwankwaso also revealed that before the 2023 general election, representatives of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formed a joint committee to compare their manifestos and political agendas.
According to him, the committee concluded that both parties shared similar policy objectives and recommended closer collaboration after the election.
“The committee looked at our blueprints and the political situation in the country. At the end of the day, we all accepted that there was a need to work together as people of like minds, who are committed to bringing positive change to Nigeria.”
The former governor said his interactions with Obi had strengthened his confidence in the former Anambra State governor, describing him as a principled leader committed to national development.
“I now know that Peter Obi is a very serious politician. He has the country in mind. He is somebody one can rely on. When we compared our blueprints, we realised that with only a few adjustments, we shared virtually the same vision and mission for the country.”
Kwankwaso said a future Obi-Kwankwaso administration would focus on tackling insecurity, reviving the economy, rebuilding infrastructure and improving education.
Describing insecurity as Nigeria’s biggest challenge, he said violence had spread beyond the North-East to the North-West, North-Central and parts of southern Nigeria.
“Our first priority is insecurity. We also have to address the economy, infrastructure, and education because no country can develop without providing quality education for its citizens.”
On tackling insecurity, Kwankwaso said the solution lies in strong political leadership, improved intelligence gathering, better welfare for security personnel and greater cooperation from the public.
“The first thing is political will. Once that is established, and you know what to do, you can mobilise the military and the public effectively.
“Communities know those behind these crimes, but many are afraid to volunteer information because of past experiences. We will restore their confidence.”
He also said dialogue should remain an option in addressing insecurity, including engaging with terrorist groups where necessary, while maintaining military operations when required.
“Of course, we will talk. We will sit down with them. We will talk to everybody. Where military action is required, we will also not hesitate to deploy the security agencies.”
Although he stopped short of directly criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require stronger political leadership.
“The Nigerian military is capable, well-trained locally and internationally. I see no reason why they should not be properly equipped with the necessary resources to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements. What is needed is strong political will and the right directives.”
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