The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has explained that his decision to pick former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election was based on their shared commitment to tackling poverty through education and economic development.
Speaking during an interview published on Sunday, Obi said both leaders share similar ideals on national development, stressing that education remains the foundation for transforming Nigeria.
According to him, “Kwankwaso has the philosophy of pulling people out of poverty. I have the same philosophy. Kwankwaso believes in education. You cannot change society without education.”
He added, “Education is going to change society. Nigeria must develop its human capital, and Kwankwaso believes in this just as I do. We have synergy.”
Obi also dismissed claims of disagreements between him and his running mate, saying reports of a rift were unfounded.
“I don’t know why people talk about differences between people who are working together. Have you ever seen us quarrelling?” he asked.
The former Anambra State governor said their political partnership was built on a common desire to transform the country rather than pursue personal interests.
“The country is in a mess because of transactional governance. I am not into transactional government. I am into transformational governance. We want to change society and pull people out of poverty, not the other way around,” Obi stated.
Commenting on why an alliance between them did not materialise ahead of the 2023 general election, Obi said his attention was focused on the future instead of past political developments.
“Those who think about yesterday and today will miss tomorrow. The past is gone. We are talking about the present,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that supporters of both the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement would work together ahead of the 2027 election.
“We have no problem whatsoever. Our followers want a changed and better society. People are gravitating towards what is right because they want a better Nigeria,” Obi added.
