As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election, Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on Nigerians to make the coming election a decisive moment for national renewal, urging citizens to look beyond religious, ethnic and regional considerations and demand competent, accountable and results-driven leadership.
In a message marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential campaign, Kwankwaso said Nigeria was standing at a critical crossroads, with millions of citizens confronting economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining access to essential services.
According to him, the rising cost of food and other basic commodities has placed unprecedented pressure on Nigerian households, while businesses are struggling with high operating costs and an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
He further expressed concern over the plight of millions of young Nigerians who, despite their energy and potential, continue to search for meaningful employment and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
RMK said the economic difficulties facing the country had been compounded by the persistent insecurity ravaging communities across the federation.
He noted that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence had continued to inflict devastating consequences on families, farmers and communities.
He stressed that no nation could achieve sustainable development when its citizens were compelled to live in fear.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.
Beyond the economy and security, RMK identified education, healthcare, infrastructure and institutional reform as areas requiring urgent national attention.
He argued that Nigeria must significantly improve its public infrastructure, strengthen its institutions and ensure that public resources are managed with greater transparency and accountability.
‘Nigeria Still Has Enormous Potential’
Despite the challenges confronting the country, RMK struck an optimistic tone, insisting that Nigeria’s problems were not beyond solution.
He maintained that the country possessed the human resources, natural wealth and enormous potential required to build a prosperous, secure and functional nation.
What Nigeria requires, he argued, is leadership capable of translating those resources and opportunities into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“What we need is leadership with the competence, courage and commitment to put the interests of Nigerians first,” he stated.
Why I Chose Obi–Kwankwaso
RMK said his decision to work with Peter Obi on the Obi–Kwankwaso ticket was driven by a desire to contribute to a broader national project rather than pursue sectional or personal interests.
He insisted that the alliance should not be viewed through the narrow lenses of ethnicity, religion or regional calculations.
“Our partnership is not about region, religion or personal ambition. It is about Nigeria,” he declared.
According to him, the vision behind the ticket is to create a country where government genuinely serves the people, hard work is rewarded and young Nigerians can build successful futures without being forced to seek opportunities outside the country.
He also advocated a Nigeria where every citizen, irrespective of background, has a fair opportunity to prosper.
Appeal to Nigerian Youths, Women and Workers
RMK specifically appealed to young Nigerians, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to participate actively in the political process.
He urged citizens not to allow political divisions to distract attention from issues directly affecting their lives.
Rather, he called on Nigerians to scrutinise the records, competence and capacity of political candidates and demand accountability from anyone seeking public office.
“Let us move beyond politics of division and focus on the issues that affect our daily lives. Let us demand accountability, competence and results from those entrusted with public office,” he said.
2027 Election as a Choice of Direction
RMK described the 2027 presidential election as an opportunity for Nigerians to determine the direction of the country for the coming years.
He therefore urged Nigerians to support the Obi–Kwankwaso ticket and candidates of the NDC, while encouraging citizens to participate peacefully and responsibly in the electoral process.
He called on supporters to conduct their campaigns with restraint and respect for democratic values, stressing that the national interest must remain paramount.
As the political contest begins to take shape, RMK’s message places the Obi–Kwankwaso campaign squarely around economic recovery, national security, accountable governance, opportunity for young people and institutional renewal.
He concluded with an appeal for Nigerians to unite around the task of rebuilding the country.
“Together, we can build a stronger nation and Nigeria will be OK,” he declared.
