Nobody should have reason to doubt Peter Obi's one-term promise: Kwankwaso

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 presidential election, has expressed unwavering confidence in Peter Obi, the party's presidential candidate, honouring his promise to serve only one term. This pledge is a crucial part of the power-sharing arrangement within the NDC, which Kwankwaso describes as built on mutual trust and collective agreement among coalition partners.

Kwankwaso's faith in Obi is not mere sentiment; it's grounded in the NDC's power-sharing deal. As Kwankwaso explained, the arrangement was designed to allow the southern part of the country to complete its second term, a commitment he believes aligns with the understanding reached by the coalition members. By allowing Obi to serve only one term, the NDC aims to ensure continuity of its programmes regardless of who occupies the presidency in the future.

Kwankwaso also highlighted the collective roadmap for governance developed by the coalition, which would guide the country regardless of the presidency's occupant. This agenda, he emphasized, is the focus of the NDC, not advancing the interests of any particular political bloc. As he pointed out, "More importantly, we have collectively gotten a short-term, medium-term and, of course, long-term plan for this country. It does not matter whether it is him from the Obidient side, or my humble self from the Kwankwasiyya side or another side, we believe we have an agenda."

Kwankwaso's endorsement of Obi's one-term pledge speaks to the growing trend of power-sharing deals in Nigeria's politics. The NDC's arrangement is not an isolated occurrence; it reflects the increasing recognition by political parties that power sharing can be a more effective means of governance than the traditional winner-takes-all approach. As Kwankwaso noted, the NDC's focus is on implementing its agreed agenda rather than advancing the interests of any particular political bloc.

This shift towards power sharing is a response to the country's deep-seated political and social problems, which have hindered progress and led to widespread discontent. By working together, political parties can pool their resources, expertise, and influence to drive meaningful change and address the nation's challenges.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, Kwankwaso's endorsement of Obi's one-term pledge will undoubtedly boost the NDC's chances of success. With the NDC's power-sharing deal and collective roadmap for governance, Obi's campaign will likely focus on showcasing the benefits of this approach to Nigerians. Expect the NDC to emphasize the importance of continuity, stability, and implementation of its agreed agenda to voters.

In the end, Kwankwaso's endorsement of Obi's one-term pledge is evidence of the NDC's commitment to power sharing and its potential to drive positive change in Nigeria. As Kwankwaso himself noted, "Nobody should have any reason to doubt him," a statement that underscores the trust and confidence the NDC has in its presidential candidate. As Nigerians look to the 2027 presidential election, they will be watching closely to see whether the NDC's power-sharing model can deliver on its promises.

As the election campaigns intensify, it remains to be seen whether other parties will follow the NDC's lead and adopt similar power-sharing arrangements.