•Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is committed to serving only one term if elected.
Speaking on Channels Television yesterday, Kwankwaso said he and Obi signed a formal agreement committing to a single four-year term in office to uphold the principle of power rotation.
According to him, the arrangement provides that Obi would serve from 2027 to 2031 before supporting the return of the presidency to the North.
Asked whether he trusted Obi to honour the agreement, Kwankwaso said, “Yes, I do. Based on what I now know about him, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes.”
He also said an NDC administration would be open to dialogue with terrorists and other criminal groups as part of efforts to end insecurity across the country.
Kwankwaso said engaging violent groups would complement military operations and other security measures aimed at restoring peace.
“Of course, we will talk to everybody,” he said when asked whether he would negotiate with terrorists.
He, however, stressed that dialogue would not replace the use of force where necessary, noting that security agencies would continue to take decisive action against criminals.
The former Kano State governor said communities affected by insecurity often know those behind the attacks and their hideouts, adding that his administration would work to rebuild trust between residents and security agencies to improve intelligence gathering.
Explaining his decision to team up with Obi, Kwankwaso said both leaders share similar ideas on governance and national development.
“Peter is a very serious politician who has the country at heart. When we compared our policy blueprints, we realised we shared the same vision, with only minor differences. That made it easy for us to work together,” he said.
