Obi accepts NDC ticket, picks Kwankwaso as running mate

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has formally accepted his party’s nomination.

Obi also announced former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, forming a ticket widely seen as a major political development ahead of the polls.

Speaking during his acceptance speech in Abuja on Saturday, Obi expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters, describing the moment as a call to national service.

“It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate for our party,” he said. “I express my profound gratitude to our leaders, delegates, and the Nigerian people who have kept hope alive.”

He noted that Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, grappling with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in governance.

“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and many citizens have lost faith in governance. Yet, I remain optimistic that a New Nigeria is possible,” Obi stated.

Shortly after his confirmation as NDC flagbearer, Obi announced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential candidate.

The move follows both leaders’ recent defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, citing internal crises and prolonged legal battles in their former party.

The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket is expected to reshape the political landscape, combining Obi’s strong appeal among young voters and support bases in the South-East and South-South with Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano and across Northern Nigeria.

Party leaders expressed confidence that the alliance would significantly boost the NDC’s chances in the 2027 general election.