By Abdullahi Yusuf
As the 2027 presidential campaign officially gets underway, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on Nigerians to reject divisive politics and rally behind the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket of the New Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the election offers the country an opportunity to choose a new direction.
Kwankwaso , in a message to Nigerians marking the commencement of the campaign, said the country is at a critical crossroads, with millions of citizens grappling with rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and deteriorating social infrastructure.
He said the increasing cost of food and essential commodities had placed enormous pressure on families, while businesses are struggling with high operating costs and an uncertain economic environment.
According to him, millions of young Nigerians are searching for meaningful employment and opportunities, stressing that the country urgently needs leadership capable of responding to the economic challenges confronting citizens.
The NDC bigwig also expressed concern over persistent insecurity, noting that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence had claimed lives, displaced families and destroyed livelihoods across the country.
“Our farmers need security to return to their farms, our children need safe schools, and every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” he said.
Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso further called for urgent investment in education and healthcare, improved infrastructure, stronger institutions and greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
Despite the challenges, he said Nigeria remained a country of enormous potential, with the human and natural resources needed 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 support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, Kwankwaso said the partnership is not driven by regional, religious or personal interests but by a shared commitment to rebuilding Nigeria.
“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 coalition believes in a country where the government serves the people, hard work is rewarded, young Nigerians can build successful futures at home, and that every citizen has a fair opportunity to prosper.
Senator Kwankwaso urged young people, women, workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and professionals to join the political movement and demand accountability, competence and measurable results from public office holders.
He also appealed to Nigerians to move beyond politics of division and focus on issues affecting their daily lives.
“The 2027 election presents Nigerians with an opportunity to choose a new direction,” he said.
He,therefore, called on Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and candidates of the NDC, urging them to participate actively in the effort to rebuild the country.
Kwankwaso also appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, with the national interest placed above personal and sectional considerations.
“Together, we can build a stronger nation and Nigeria will be OK,” he said.