2027: I’m Not Worried About Being ‘Spare Tyre’ Under Obi — Kwankwaso

Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, said he is not concerned about the possibility of being treated as a “spare tyre” if he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, win the 2027 election.

Kwankwaso stated this on Sunday in Abuja during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series, expressing confidence in the understanding he had reached with Obi.

The former Kano State governor said the effectiveness and relevance of a vice-president largely depended on the relationship with, and leadership style of, the president.

He said he was confident that an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would be built on cooperation, mutual trust and effective delegation of responsibilities.

According to him, his previous experience as deputy speaker, minister and governor had prepared him to function effectively within a leadership structure.

“A president who trusts his vice-president and gives him meaningful responsibilities can achieve more for the country.

“And for me, I don’t think I will be sidelined by His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, if we win the 2027 election,” he said.

Kwankwaso recalled that while serving as governor of Kano State, he deliberately assigned substantial responsibilities to his deputy, stressing that such an arrangement enabled both leaders to contribute effectively to the administration of the state.

He said he adopted a similar approach while serving as Minister of Defence by allowing his Minister of State to take charge of specific areas of the ministry.

The former governor cautioned political leaders against allowing greed or excessive desire for control to undermine effective governance.

He argued that presidents and governors could achieve more by delegating responsibilities instead of attempting to personally oversee every aspect of government.

Kwankwaso also expressed confidence in Obi, describing him as a leader who was not motivated by greed but by a desire to leave a legacy of good governance.

He said he would be satisfied with whatever responsibilities were assigned to him as vice-president, noting that his primary objective was to serve Nigerians rather than pursue personal aggrandisement.

According to him, the success of an NDC administration would ultimately depend on teamwork, mutual trust and the willingness of its leaders to place national interest above personal ambition.

Kwankwaso said he believed that with cooperation between the president and vice-president, the proposed administration could deliver effective governance and achieve meaningful development for Nigerians.