I Don’t Have To Be President” — Kwankwaso Reveals Why He Accepted Obi’s Running Mate Offer

Kwankwaso maintained that he does not necessarily have to become president, stressing that political office should primarily be viewed as an opportunity to serve the people.

He made the remarks on Sunday in Abuja during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series.

According to the former Kano State governor, occupying the presidency or vice-presidency is ultimately in the hands of God, adding that political leaders must be willing to place the interests of the country above their personal ambitions.

**“I have never been the vice president. I think it is a step forward despite all the things you counted.

“To me, being in government is to serve. I don’t have to be president. I don’t have to even be vice president. These are things that are in the hands of Almighty Allah.

“But the fact remains that the situation, as it is today, one has to look at it beyond your humble self,”** he said.

Kwankwaso explained that his experience surrounding the 2023 general election played a major role in helping him better understand Obi and assess the possibility of working together.

He said that although the two politicians had attempted to collaborate in 2023, he had limited knowledge of Obi at the time. However, interactions and experiences over the past four years, he said, changed his perception.

**“People learn every day, and that is why experience is very important. In 2023, we attempted to work together and at that particular point, I knew little about Peter Obi.

“But over these last four years, I was able to learn a lot and realised that Peter is somebody that I could work together with,”** Kwankwaso stated.

He disclosed that the decision to support the political partnership followed consultations with members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Obidient Movement.

According to him, the groups believed that a balanced political ticket capable of attracting support from both northern and southern Nigeria was necessary.

Kwankwaso also cited the country’s worsening security situation, declining agricultural productivity and deteriorating infrastructure as some of the factors that influenced his decision to support an arrangement he believes could bring about democratic change.

He stressed that, given the challenges confronting Nigeria, political leaders should look beyond personal ambitions and prioritise the overall interests of the country.