Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said his running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will not be treated as a “spare tyre” if they win the 2027 presidential election, promising an administration built on partnership and shared responsibility.

Obi made the declaration on Saturday at the NDC national convention in Abuja, where he was affirmed as the party’s presidential candidate and officially announced Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential nominee.

Speaking before party delegates, Obi said his administration would depart from the traditional arrangement where vice presidents are often seen as playing secondary roles in governance.

“The government we intend to form will no longer be a government where anybody will say that the vice president is a spare tyre,” Obi 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. That is what we require, and that is how government functions.”

Obi said his partnership with Kwankwaso is rooted in shared values and a common vision for Nigeria’s development.

“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.
The former Anambra State governor described Kwankwaso as a leader who shares his commitment to education, security and inclusive governance.

“He believes in education and security. And we will work together to ensure it happens,” Obi added while welcoming the former Kano governor to the podium.

Obi and Kwankwaso were among the major contenders in the 2023 presidential election, contesting on different platforms. Obi ran on the Labour Party (LP) ticket, while Kwankwaso represented the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Both candidates lost to President  of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi finished third in the race, while Kwankwaso came fourth, winning only Kano State where he remains a dominant political figure.

The duo joined the NDC on May 3 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over the party’s future direction.

Obi has also pledged to serve only a single four-year term if elected in 2027, saying his administration would focus on cutting the cost of governance and eliminating wasteful spending to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.