The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has promised that the party will prioritise reducing energy costs, tackling insecurity and addressing economic hardship if its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wins the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, said the party was developing a comprehensive policy blueprint to address the challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly rising energy costs, unemployment and persistent insecurity.
He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the NDC’s economic proposals, security strategy and chances in the forthcoming general election.
On the rising cost of petrol and other energy sources, Kwankwaso said the party was considering interventions, including possible fuel subsidy measures, to reduce the financial burden on households and businesses.
He said the NDC had reviewed the consequences of the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023 and was determined to develop policies that would ease the hardship experienced by Nigerians.
“Our collective position now is that the price of energy in this country is too high, and our position is that we are going to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the burden is reduced, including the subsidy and so on and so forth,” he said.
Kwankwaso maintained that his position on subsidy had remained consistent, explaining that he opposed its immediate removal in 2023 and had advocated addressing corruption and irregularities in the petroleum sector.
He said the party would outline its proposed economic interventions in a policy document ahead of the election.
On insecurity, the NDC vice-presidential candidate criticised successive administrations for failing to adequately address the country’s security challenges, particularly insurgency, banditry and kidnapping in northern Nigeria.
He argued that military operations alone would not provide a lasting solution, stressing that improved education, healthcare, employment opportunities, agriculture and economic empowerment must complement security measures.
Kwankwaso cited his experience as Kano State governor from 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015, saying his administration combined social investment with coordination among security agencies.
He said his government expanded access to education, introduced free education and established two universities alongside specialised institutions.
The former governor also recalled efforts to contain Boko Haram’s activities in Kano in 2012, noting that his administration strengthened cooperation among the police, the State Security Service and the military.
“The equipment and the synergy that we created between the police, the SSS, the military, everybody, were all working together as a family,” he said.
Kwankwaso said the NDC would publish a detailed security blueprint explaining how it intended to tackle the country’s security challenges if elected.
On the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, he dismissed suggestions that the movement of several governors towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) necessarily demonstrated the ruling party’s popularity among voters.
He argued that governors and other political figures might align with the presidency for electoral and political reasons, insisting that their decisions should not automatically be interpreted as reflecting the preferences of ordinary Nigerians.
Kwankwaso maintained that the NDC remained competitive, citing Obi’s support in southern Nigeria and the grassroots strength of his Kwankwasiyya movement in the North.
He said the party would focus on persuading voters through its programmes, policy proposals and capacity to improve living conditions rather than relying on endorsements from prominent politicians.
Explaining his decision to join Obi as a running mate after previously contesting presidential elections, Kwankwaso said political circumstances had changed and consultations between their camps had revealed common objectives.
He said both politicians had recognised similarities in their visions for Nigeria and agreed to work together to pursue their shared goals.
“I didn’t know that he was that credible. I didn’t realise that he has that capacity to do things,” Kwankwaso said of Obi.
He added that their discussions had shown that they shared a similar vision for the country and could cooperate across regional lines.
“Our vision for the country was similar, and it was very easy for us to come and say, ‘Okay, let’s work together as leaders from the South and the North to ensure the success of the party and, by extension, the success of this country,’” he said.
Kwankwaso also confirmed that the two politicians had reached an agreement concerning their proposed administration, although he advised journalists to seek confirmation from Obi.
Responding to claims that influential northern leaders were backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, he argued that endorsements by political elites did not necessarily reflect the choices of ordinary voters.
He said many Nigerians, particularly in the North, were seeking alternatives because of poverty, insecurity and worsening economic conditions.
“The people of this country, especially people of northern Nigeria, are very much interested in changing their circumstances, their situation,” he said.
Kwankwaso said the NDC would intensify consultations and campaign activities across the country, urging voters to evaluate political parties based on their records, policies and ability to address the nation’s challenges ahead of the January 2027 election.
