Why I Chose to Work With Obi — Kwankwaso Explains 2027 Alliance

August 20, 2026 — Former Kano State Governor and National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has explained why he chose to work with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi ahead of Nigeria's 2027 presidential election.

Kwankwaso said the decision was driven by his desire to help Nigerians achieve competent and accountable leadership, while also promoting national balance, equity and democratic change.

Kwankwaso Says National Interest Comes First

Speaking as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 election, Kwankwaso said his decision to work with Obi was based on what he described as the broader interests of Nigeria.

According to him, the partnership provides an opportunity to bring together political forces from different parts of the country and present an alternative to Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.

Kwankwaso has particularly emphasised national balance, equity and democratic change as key reasons behind his decision to accept the role of Obi's running mate.

A North-South Political Partnership

The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket brings together two prominent politicians with strong political bases in different regions.

Obi is from the Southeast, while Kwankwaso has considerable political influence in northern Nigeria, particularly Kano and the wider Northwest.

Supporters of the alliance believe the combination could help the opposition appeal to a broader national electorate and move beyond purely regional political calculations.

For Kwankwaso, the partnership represents an opportunity to demonstrate that political cooperation across regional lines can be used to pursue national objectives.

‘Competent and Accountable Leadership’

One of the central arguments behind Kwankwaso's decision is the need for what he describes as competent and accountable leadership.

The former Kano governor has argued that Nigeria needs political leaders capable of addressing the country's economic and social challenges while remaining accountable to citizens.

His comments come at a time when the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and concerns about governance remain major issues in the national political conversation.

Why Work With Obi?

Kwankwaso's decision is particularly significant because both men were presidential candidates in the 2023 election.

Rather than pursuing separate presidential ambitions in 2027, the two politicians have now joined forces under the NDC platform.

The alliance therefore represents a major political shift and could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the next presidential election.

Reports indicate that Kwankwaso believes working together offers a stronger opportunity to achieve the political change he wants to see in Nigeria.

Can the Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Unite Their Supporters?

One of the biggest questions surrounding the alliance is whether the two political movements can successfully work together.

Obi's supporters, popularly associated with the Obidient movement, have developed a significant national presence since the 2023 election. Kwankwaso, meanwhile, commands a long-established political structure and loyal supporters, particularly in Kano and other northern states.

Combining these networks could give the ticket a potentially broader reach.

However, maintaining unity between the different political groups will be crucial as the campaign progresses.

2027 Election Could Become a Three-Way Contest

The emergence of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket adds another major dimension to Nigeria's 2027 presidential race.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to seek another term, while other opposition figures are also positioning themselves for the election.

The new alliance could therefore increase competition and force the major political camps to intensify their efforts to win voters across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

Final Thoughts

Kwankwaso's explanation makes clear that he views his partnership with Obi as more than a personal political arrangement.

He says the alliance is about national balance, equity, competent leadership and democratic change.

Whether the partnership can translate those ambitions into electoral success will depend on how effectively Obi and Kwankwaso unite their supporters, build a nationwide political structure and convince Nigerians that they can provide a credible alternative in 2027.

For now, the alliance has already changed the political calculations ahead of the election — and its impact is likely to become clearer as the campaign gathers pace.