By Ahmed Akanbi
Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has disclosed that the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, agreed to serve only one term if elected in 2027, after which power would return to the North.
Kwankwaso, who leads the Kwankwasiyya Movement, also said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is losing support nationwide, while the opposition coalition is gaining momentum ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, the former Kano State governor said the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is founded on shared values, mutual trust and commitment to national unity.
According to him, the NDC adopted a power-sharing arrangement that recognizes the South’s turn to produce the president, while maintaining rotation between the two major regions.
“We agreed that the presidency should remain in the South for one term of four years. After that, power should return to the North. This is the arrangement we believe in, and our partners in the South also accept it,” Kwankwaso said.
The former New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP presidential candidate expressed confidence that Obi would honour the agreement if elected.
“I believe he will keep his word. This commitment was made publicly, not behind closed doors. Politics is built on trust and accountability, and I am convinced Peter Obi will respect the arrangement,” he stated.
Kwankwaso said his decision to join forces with Obi was driven by a shared vision for Nigeria and the strong support both leaders enjoy among young Nigerians.
“Peter Obi and I share many common values. One of them is the massive support we enjoy among young people who believe that if we succeed, they too will benefit. Bringing together the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements is not only beneficial to our supporters but also to Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
He dismissed claims that his move to the NDC was because he could not secure a presidential ticket elsewhere, saying the goal was to build a credible platform capable of winning power and delivering good governance.
On the NDC’s prospects in 2027, Kwankwaso said the APC faces growing public dissatisfaction over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges.
“The APC is on a downward trajectory. Every day, more people are becoming disillusioned and moving toward us. Many ordinary Nigerians have already lost confidence in the ruling party,” he said.