2027: Obi agreed to single 4-year term in written pact, says Kwankwaso

VICE-PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, says the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, signed a written agreement to serve only one four-year term if elected in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kwankwaso said the deal was reached to ensure power returns to the North after a single tenure. He expressed confidence that Obi would honour the agreement, saying he had no doubts about the former Anambra State governor’s commitment.

Asked whether Obi’s one-term promise was enforceable, Kwankwaso said he trusted his running mate to keep his word.

“I personally believe him. Based on what I know about him, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen, and we have accepted to put it on paper,” he said.

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Kwankwaso disclosed that the understanding was documented through two separate agreements – one signed by the party and another executed between himself and Obi.

“We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us,” he said.

He explained that the pact commits both leaders to work together to deliver a successful administration from 2027 to 2031 before handing over power to the North.

“The agreement is that after 4 years, we will continue to work together as a party, as friends and brothers, so that after our four-year term, from 2027 to 2031, power returns to the North,” he said.

Explaining why he accepted the vice-presidential slot after initially seeking the presidency, Kwankwaso said the arrangement was founded on the principles of fairness, equity and national balance.

According to him, both leaders agreed that the South should produce the president for one term before power rotates back to the North, describing the deal as a consensus designed to promote national unity.

On his own political future, Kwankwaso said discussions about the 2031 presidential election were premature, stressing that the NDC’s immediate focus is on winning the 2027 poll while keeping its longer-term political plans in view.