By Ayomide Otitoju
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has pledged to run an inclusive administration in which his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, would serve as a full partner in governance rather than a ceremonial deputy.
Obi made the commitment while accepting the party’s presidential nomination on Saturday, shortly after announcing Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate.
He said his administration would break from what he described as the tradition of sidelining deputy leaders, insisting on a partnership-based leadership model.
“The government we intend to form will no longer be a government where anybody will say that the vice president is a spare tyre,” he said.
“The vice president will be a partner because we want to build a nation where there are two equal people who work for the greatness of the country. Decisions will be taken as partners. Everybody will be consulted.”
Obi said the proposed arrangement reflects his commitment to consultation, shared responsibility and effective governance.
He formally invited Kwankwaso to join him on the ticket, describing him as a leader who shares his priorities in education and security.
“It is on this note that I graciously accept the affirmation as the candidate of this great party. And in the same spirit, I am inviting Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join me as the vice-presidential candidate,” he said.
“He believes in education and security. And we will work together to ensure it happens.”
The former Anambra State governor said the partnership would be driven by a shared vision for national development and a commitment to addressing insecurity and other national challenges.
Reiterating his campaign slogan, Obi said “a New Nigeria is Possible,” adding that the ambition goes beyond individual aspirations.
He also identified insecurity as a major threat to national stability, promising decisive action to restore safety and public confidence.
“The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property,” he said.
Obi further recalled Nigeria’s historic role in international peacekeeping, stressing the need to rebuild security institutions and promote national unity as key priorities of his proposed administration.
