Former presidential candidate says he is ready to work with or any candidate eventually chosen by the ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV PrimeTime, where he confirmed that leaders of the opposition coalition had already agreed to zone the party’s presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term.
According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders across the country.
“If the party decides that I will be anybody’s running mate from the South, I am ready,” Kwankwaso said.
He explained that members of the coalition believed zoning the presidency to the South was necessary to address lingering political tensions surrounding power rotation in Nigeria.
“We believe the best place to take it is to the South so that we can eliminate the confusion that came after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua,” he stated.
Kwankwaso added that the focus should now be on competence and leadership capacity rather than regional sentiment.
“What is key now is not whether the president comes from the North or South, but having people who are determined and committed to giving the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.
The former Kano governor also disclosed that he and Obi had already discussed strategies for tackling insecurity, especially in Northern Nigeria.
“Peter Obi and I have discussed many ways to tackle insecurity. I have worked with people across the board, and I know what can be done,” he added.
Kwankwaso further hinted that future political cooperation with former Vice President was still possible despite past disagreements.
“We might still work together before election day. We are not fighting anybody,” he said.
Speaking on youth participation in politics, Kwankwaso argued that the 2027 election would largely be influenced by young Nigerians demanding a different direction for the country.
“The fact remains that many things have changed in this country. It is now the turn of the youth,” he said, adding that even his daughter encouraged him to work with Obi during the 2023 election season.
He also drew similarities between the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya movement, describing both groups as disciplined and progressive.
“The Kwankwasiyya are disciplined and positive, and so are the Obidients,” he noted.
Kwankwaso, however, criticised governors across the country, accusing many of relying heavily on President for political survival ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our governors have made many mistakes. Most of them are depending on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win elections,” he said.
