By Frank Ulom
The Nigeria Democracy Congress (NDC) has outlined reasons it believes Nigerians should consider a joint presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a viable alternative for national rebirth in 2027.
In a position paper titled “Why Nigerians Are Looking to Obi–Kwankwaso as a Viable Alternative for National Rebirth in 2027,” the party’s Cross River State Publicity Secretary and South-South Zonal Spokesperson of the OKMovement, Comrade Cletus Albert Amawu, argued that the proposed ticket represents competence, production-driven growth, security reform and responsible governance.
According to the statement, Nigerians are increasingly faced with the choice of either continuing on a path characterised by economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining public confidence or embracing leadership built on accountability and measurable results.
The NDC identified several reasons why many Nigerians are showing interest in an Obi-Kwankwaso partnership.
1. Proven Record of Performance
The party stated that both Obi and Kwankwaso have demonstrated tangible achievements during their time as governors.
According to the statement, Obi’s administration in Anambra State was recognised for fiscal discipline, prudent financial management and strategic investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure. It added that his government prioritised accountability, value for money and long-term planning.
Similarly, the party said Kwankwaso’s tenure in Kano State was marked by investments in education, healthcare infrastructure, road construction, rural development and human capital development. His emphasis on empowering young people through education was highlighted as a defining aspect of his leadership.
The NDC argued that the combination of administrative experience, economic understanding and grassroots appeal makes both men credible contenders for national leadership.
2. Security Reform and Crime Prevention
The statement identified insecurity as one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other violent crimes.
It said an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would prioritise comprehensive security sector reforms, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies and deploy technology-driven security solutions.
Beyond military responses, the proposed administration would focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and limited opportunities for young people.
According to the party, security should be focused not only on responding to crises but also on preventing them.
3. Transition from Consumption to Production
The NDC argued that Nigeria’s overdependence on imported goods has weakened domestic industries and exported jobs.
It maintained that the country must move from a consumption-driven economy to a production-oriented economy powered by agriculture, manufacturing, technology, innovation and industrialisation.
The statement listed key priorities of an Obi-Kwankwaso administration as agricultural modernisation, food security, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, expansion of local manufacturing, youth entrepreneurship programmes, technology and innovation hubs, export-oriented economic policies and industrial growth corridors across the six geopolitical zones.
The party said such policies would create jobs, strengthen the naira and reduce dependence on imports.
4. Stronger Anti-Corruption Framework
The NDC described corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to national development.
According to the statement, public resources intended for infrastructure, healthcare, education and social services are frequently lost through leakages and abuse of office.
To address this challenge, the party said an Obi-Kwankwaso administration would pursue transparent governance systems, stronger institutions, digital public procurement processes, effective oversight mechanisms and strict accountability measures.
It stressed that the objective would not only be to punish corruption but to create systems that make it increasingly difficult to occur.
5. Reduction in the Cost of Governance
The statement also identified fiscal responsibility as a major pillar of the proposed administration.
It said policies would focus on eliminating wasteful expenditure, rationalising overlapping government agencies, reducing unnecessary political appointments, strengthening budgetary discipline and improving transparency in public spending.
According to the party, reducing recurrent expenditure would allow more resources to be directed towards infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation.
The NDC argued that government must become leaner, more efficient and more responsive to citizens’ needs.
6. Leadership Based on Competence and Integrity
The party said the growing appeal of the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership reflects Nigerians’ desire for leaders whose records can be independently verified and whose actions demonstrate integrity.
It maintained that the future of Nigeria should be determined by competence, character and capacity rather than ethnic, religious or regional considerations.
According to the statement, Nigerians must focus on choosing a pathway towards national renewal, economic prosperity, security and social justice rather than merely electing political leaders.
7. Focus on Results Rather Than Political Slogans
The NDC concluded that the national conversation ahead of the 2027 elections should move away from empty promises and political slogans towards proven performance and measurable outcomes.
The party stated that Nigeria deserves leadership that works, governance that delivers and a future built on productivity, accountability and shared prosperity.
It added that the Nigeria Democracy Congress remains committed to providing what it described as an alternative platform capable of building a nation that works for all Nigerians.
