Peter Obi Speaks On Using Kwankwaso As Spare Tyre
The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has pledged that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso will serve as his vice-president “as a partner, not a spare tyre” if elected in the 2027 general elections.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that Obi stated this in his acceptance speech after emerging as the NDC presidential candidate.
The statement was posted on his 𝕏 handle on Sunday.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor, had formally announced Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, as his running mate on Saturday.
In his speech, Obi described his nomination as a call to national service.
He said his administration would pursue a “New Nigeria” anchored on unity, security, economic reform and accountable governance.
“Following this, I will make democracy work, and the Vice President will be a partner, not a spare tyre. I hereby accept my affirmation and nominate Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso @KwankwasoRM as my Vice President,” he said.
Obi thanked the NDC leadership, including the National Chairman, Seriake Dickson, the National Secretary, the National Working Committee and party supporters across the country.
Obi Warns On Insecurity
Obi said Nigeria was at a “crucial juncture, enveloped in uncertainty,” citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining public trust in governance.
He warned against ethnic, religious and regional divisions, saying Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength rather than a source of conflict.
“In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the 8th most affected nation in 2022, 6th in 2024, and 4th in 2026,” he said.
He added that Nigeria had previously earned global respect for peacekeeping and regional stabilisation.
“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of the government is to ensure the safeguarding of lives and property,” Obi said.
Healthcare, Education Reforms
On healthcare, Obi said Nigeria’s health system remained weak, with only 10 to 20 per cent of about 30,000 primary healthcare centres operational.
He also said health insurance coverage remained low at about 10 per cent.
The NDC candidate promised to raise health insurance coverage to over 20 per cent within four years and increase healthcare funding to at least 10 per cent of GDP.
He also pledged to rehabilitate primary healthcare centres across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and improve staffing and training for health workers.
On education, Obi said human capital investment would be central to his administration, adding that schools, teachers and vocational training would be prioritised.
Agriculture, Power, Jobs
Obi raised concerns about Nigeria’s hunger situation, saying that over 35 million Nigerians were projected to face acute food insecurity this year, according to the World Food Programme.
He said Nigeria’s uncultivated land remained a major national asset that must be transformed through investment in agriculture.
On power, he said Nigeria currently generates about 4,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 million people.
He pledged to increase generation by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years.
On unemployment, Obi said official figures understated the problem, arguing that true unemployment and underemployment exceeded 30 per cent, while youth unemployment was above 40 per cent.
He promised support for micro, small and medium enterprises through tax incentives, access to funding and targeted sectoral interventions.
Obi also pledged to reduce corruption and the cost of governance.
He said his administration would strengthen the rule of law and deepen democratic institutions.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso contested the last presidential election, finishing third and fourth, respectively, behind former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu.
