Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended himself against extremist allegations, reiterated his opposition to a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, and expressed confidence that the NDC ticket of Peter Obi and himself will win the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channel Television’s Politics. Kwankwaso stated on Monday that Nigerians, particularly young people, prefer leaders who can improve their living situations over politicians who focus on ethnic or religious feelings.
“People are tired of the predicament they are now in. They want something fresh, something that will better their life and the security and well-being of the people of this country,” he explained.
He claimed that critics of the NDC coalition are detached from the realities of northern Nigeria.
“Those who are going against that ticket are not even conversant; they are not in touch with realities in northern Nigeria Today,” he remarked.
When asked about a proposed US law naming him and others amid allegations of religious persecution and communal violence, Kwankwaso denied the assertions, saying, “Let me begin with the question of assets. I have no assets outside Nigeria, thus there is nothing to freeze.”
He characterised the claims as politically motivated, stating, “Everybody has enemies. People choose to transmit my name here and there. However, the truth has been revealed, and the problem has been resolved. It’s no longer an issue.
When asked if he believed his name had been cleared, he said, “I believe so.”
On the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Kwankwaso stated that religion will continue to be a key issue in the 2027 elections, condemning President Bola Tinubu for fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket again.
“I’m even surprised that the President again is presenting the same type of ticket,” he remarked.
According to him, President Tinubu has always balanced political appointments and should do the same with his presidential campaign.
“I believe he still has time from now to the time of substitution to have a balanced ticket,” he remarked.
Although he admitted that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket, he contended that Nigeria’s variety makes religious balance ideal.
In reflecting on his own choice of running mate in the 2023 election, he said, “When I was looking for somebody to run with me, I got an archbishop so that we can go together and everybody will have a sense of belonging.”
Kwankwaso mentioned the 1993 SDP presidential ticket of MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe as an example of non-religious political discourse, adding that “at the time, people were talking about competence, popularity, and many other positive things.”
Kwankwaso expressed confidence that the NDC’s participation in the 2027 elections would be unaffected by current legal battles.
He was confident that the courts would not stop the party from contesting.
“I don’t think any respected judge will be in a hurry to say NDC should not participate in the 2027 election,” he remarked.