Kwankwaso Regrets Not Forming Alliance with Obi in 2023 Elections

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed regret over not forming an alliance with Peter Obi, the party's presidential candidate, during the 2023 general election. Kwankwaso stated that a united ticket would have given them an advantage at the polls. He made these remarks in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, while addressing party supporters.

Kwankwaso's remarks come after he reportedly declined to run with Obi, citing his higher academic credentials and political experience. Kwankwaso ran on the New Nigeria Peoples Party platform, finishing fourth and winning only Kano State with 1,496,687 votes. Obi, running under the Labour Party, finished third after securing 12 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, with 6,101,533 votes.

The 2023 presidential election saw three major opposition contenders, which helped the ruling All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Tinubu, emerge victorious. Tinubu won the presidency with 8,794,726 votes, defeating 17 other candidates. The combined votes of Obi and Kwankwaso totaled 7,598,220 votes. Kwankwaso's electoral base remained concentrated in the North-west, particularly Kano State.

Kwankwaso's political perspective appears to have changed, as he disclosed an agreement within the NDC leadership that, if elected, he will head the Ministry of Education to drive reforms across the country's institutions. He presented an educational blueprint from his tenure as governor of Kano State, which aligns with Obi's track record in Anambra State.

The proposed administration plans to ensure that children from underprivileged backgrounds have access to quality schooling, alongside plans to renovate public schools, recruit trained teachers, and supply modern instructional materials. Kwankwaso cited his past experience, where he sponsored over 3,000 Kano indigenes on foreign scholarships without borrowing from commercial banks or taking foreign loans.

Kwankwaso also criticised the current administrations of Kano and Jigawa states, alleging that both governors had deviated from governance centred on the public interest. He emphasised the historical ties between Kano and Jigawa and urged voters in Jigawa to support the NDC ticket to help produce the zone's first vice president since independence in 1960.

The NDC ticket, led by Obi and Kwankwaso, aims to bring about national development, with a focus on education reform. Their partnership for the 2027 election marks a turning point for the country. Key to their plan is ensuring access to quality education for all, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

Key points

• Kwankwaso regrets not forming an alliance with Obi in the 2023 elections
• Kwankwaso to head Ministry of Education if NDC wins
• NDC plans to reform education system, focusing on access and quality