Former Kano State Governor and prominent opposition politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on Nigerians to support the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the country requires a new direction to address its economic, security and social challenges.
Kwankwaso made the call in a message to Nigerians to mark the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign, urging citizens to carefully assess the state of the country and determine the kind of Nigeria they want to leave for future generations.
He said Nigeria was at a critical crossroads, with millions of citizens facing mounting economic difficulties, insecurity and limited opportunities.
According to him, the rising cost of food and other essential commodities has placed enormous pressure on households, while young Nigerians continue to struggle to find meaningful employment and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the difficulties confronting businesses, citing high operating costs and an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
He said the challenges confronting the country extend beyond the economy, pointing to continued insecurity in several parts of Nigeria.
According to him, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime have continued to threaten communities, with many families losing relatives, homes and sources of livelihood.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” Kwankwaso said.
The former governor further identified education and healthcare as sectors requiring urgent government attention. He called for increased investment in infrastructure, stronger public institutions and more transparent management of public resources.
Despite the challenges, Kwankwaso said he remained optimistic about Nigeria’s future, arguing that the country possesses the human resources, natural wealth and economic potential needed to become a prosperous and secure nation.
He said the major requirement was leadership capable of putting the interests of citizens above political and personal considerations.
“What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first,” he stated.
Kwankwaso said this conviction informed his decision to work with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on what he described as the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
He maintained that the proposed partnership was not driven by regional, religious or personal interests but by a shared commitment to rebuilding Nigeria.
“Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the alliance is based on the vision of a country where government genuinely serves citizens, hard work is rewarded and young Nigerians can build successful futures without being compelled to leave the country in search of opportunities.
He also spoke about the need for equal economic opportunities for Nigerians, arguing that every citizen should have a fair chance to prosper regardless of background or political connection.
Kwankwaso appealed to young Nigerians, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to participate actively in the political process and join what he described as a national effort to rebuild the country.
He urged citizens to move away from politics driven by ethnic, religious or regional divisions and focus instead on issues directly affecting their lives.
The opposition leader also called on Nigerians to demand accountability, competence and measurable results from public office holders.
According to him, citizens should not merely support politicians during elections but should actively scrutinise their performance and hold them responsible for their decisions while in office.
Kwankwaso described the 2027 election as an opportunity for Nigerians to choose what he called a new political direction for the country.
He therefore urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while calling for broad participation in the electoral process.
“The 2027 election presents Nigerians with an opportunity to choose a new direction,” he said.
He also appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, stressing that national interest should remain the guiding principle throughout the election period.
Kwankwaso warned against the politics of division and encouraged political actors to focus their campaigns on ideas, policies, competence and the ability to address Nigeria’s pressing problems.
His message comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, with opposition parties expected to strengthen their structures and mobilise supporters across the country.
The political landscape is already attracting growing public attention as major parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves for the presidential contest.
Kwankwaso said the ultimate objective should be to build a country that provides security, economic opportunity, quality public services and a decent standard of living for all citizens.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians, working together, could overcome the challenges confronting the country and build a stronger future for the next generation.
He concluded his message by calling on Nigerians to support the proposed political partnership and participate actively in the electoral process.
“Let us campaign peacefully, responsibly and with the national interest at heart. Together, we can build a stronger nation and Nigeria will be OK,” Kwankwaso said.
