Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has expressed confidence that he will clinch the vice-presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the position would mark a historic breakthrough for Kano State and set the stage for its eventual emergence as a presidential-producing region.
Kwankwaso, a former Kano governor and influential political figure in northern Nigeria, made the remarks during a weekend interview on Premier Radio, where he spoke extensively about the evolving political calculations ahead of the next election cycle.
He said his anticipated emergence as running mate would correct what he described as decades of political exclusion, noting that Kano has never produced a vice-president since Nigeria’s First Republic.
“By God’s grace, the next election will be unlike anything we have seen in our state and country, especially if I secure the ticket and my name is on the ballot,” he said.
“Since the First Republic, despite our political strength, Kano has not produced a vice-president. It is something that must be corrected.”
The former governor argued that securing the vice-presidential position would not only elevate Kano’s political standing but also strengthen its long-term aspiration of producing a president.
“Kano will rightly secure this position, and it will open the door for our state to eventually produce the president of this country,” he said.
Kwankwaso also commented on the political reach of the NDC, claiming the party was gaining traction beyond its traditional northern base.
According to him, increasing numbers of southerners were aligning with the party ahead of 2027, while urging northern voters, particularly in the North-West, to make what he described as “careful and strategic decisions” in the coming election.
He warned that misjudgments could have long-term political consequences for the region.
The development comes shortly after Kwankwaso and Peter Obi were reported to have joined the NDC, following their departure from the Labour Party.
Both men are expected to run on a joint ticket in the 2027 presidential election, with Obi projected as the presidential candidate and Kwankwaso positioned as his running mate.
Nigeria’s political system has long been shaped by an informal power rotation arrangement between the North and South, which influences negotiations around presidential and vice-presidential tickets.
Analysts say Kwankwaso’s remarks suggest a broader strategic calculation: that a vice-presidential role in a southern-led administration could strengthen his prospects of contesting the presidency in a future electoral cycle, particularly after 2031 when power is expected by many to rotate back to the North.
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