Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as an “asset to Nigeria,” rejecting the suggestion that the former Kano State governor should be viewed primarily as a political asset to his own presidential ambition.
Obi made the remark while responding to a question from Seun about whether Kwankwaso represented a major asset to him because of his potential contribution to the 2027 presidential election.
“Don't say Kwankwaso is an asset to me; he's an asset to Nigeria,” Obi said.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s commitment to education and efforts aimed at helping people escape poverty were among the qualities that made their partnership significant.
“He believes in education and in pulling people out of poverty; that's why Nigeria needs both of us,” Obi added.
Obi’s comments put particular emphasis on Kwankwaso’s record and advocacy around education.
Kwankwaso has for years promoted education initiatives in Kano, including scholarship programmes and the establishment of educational institutions and training initiatives during his time in public office.
The issue of education has also featured prominently in Kwankwaso’s political messaging. During the 2023 campaign, his policy proposals included measures aimed at expanding access to primary, secondary and tertiary education.
Obi and Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election separately, representing the Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively.
The two politicians have since come together under the NDC ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Kwankwaso serving as Obi’s running mate.
A September 2026 election-monitoring report noted that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket has also generated debate over differences between their policy positions, including fuel subsidies and state police.
The proposed political partnership has attracted considerable attention because both men previously maintained separate political structures and presidential campaigns.
Obi said their relevance should therefore not be reduced to electoral calculations.
Rather than describing Kwankwaso as an asset that could help him personally win an election, Obi framed the former Kano governor as someone whose experience and focus on education and poverty reduction could contribute to Nigeria's development.
His statement comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with policy differences, alliances and campaign structures expected to remain major issues in the months ahead.
The 2027 presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the electoral timetable.
For Obi, however, the central message from the partnership is that Kwankwaso's role extends beyond helping his own campaign.
“He's an asset to Nigeria,” Obi said, arguing that the country needs the combined contribution of both politicians.
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