Former Kano State Governor and presidential hopeful, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the country needs a new direction.
Kwankwaso made the call in a message to Nigerians marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign, where he urged citizens to reflect on the state of the nation and the kind of country they want to leave for future generations.
According to him, Nigeria is at a “critical crossroads,” with millions of citizens grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and inadequate public infrastructure.
He said the rising cost of food and essential commodities had placed enormous pressure on families, while millions of young Nigerians continued to search for meaningful employment and opportunities.
Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the difficult operating environment facing businesses, citing high costs and economic uncertainty as major challenges confronting entrepreneurs.
On security, the former governor said insecurity remained a major threat to communities across the country, lamenting the loss of lives, homes and livelihoods to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.
Kwankwaso further called for urgent investment in the education and healthcare sectors, alongside improvements in infrastructure and stronger public institutions.
He stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, arguing that the challenges confronting the country require leadership capable of delivering concrete results.
Despite the difficulties, Kwankwaso said Nigeria remained endowed with the people, resources and potential required to build a prosperous and secure nation.
“What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first,” he said.
Explaining his decision to work with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso said the partnership was driven by a commitment to national development rather than regional, religious or personal considerations.
“This is why I have chosen to work with His Excellency, Peter Obi, on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket,” he said.
“Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria.”
He said the alliance envisioned a country where government would serve the people, hard work would be rewarded, young Nigerians would have opportunities to build successful futures at home, and every citizen would have a fair chance to prosper.
Kwankwaso specifically appealed to young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to join what he described as a journey to rebuild Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive politics and instead focus on issues affecting their daily lives, while demanding accountability, competence and results from public office holders.
According to him, the 2027 presidential election offers Nigerians an opportunity to choose a new direction for the country.
He therefore called on Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and candidates of the NDC, urging them to participate in the task of rebuilding the nation.
Kwankwaso also appealed for a peaceful and responsible campaign, stressing that the national interest must remain at the centre of political activities ahead of the election.
“Let us campaign peacefully, responsibly and with the national interest at heart,” he said.
“Together, we can build a stronger nation and Nigeria will be OK”
