The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will serve as a genuine partner and not a "spare tyre" if they emerge victorious in the 2027 election. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, made this statement at the NDC convention on Saturday shortly after announcing Kwankwaso as his running mate, following his own ratification as the party's presidential candidate in Abuja.
The term "spare tyre" is a Nigerian expression commonly used to describe deputy governors or vice presidents who hold largely ceremonial roles, only receiving real responsibility or power when the substantive leader is incapacitated, unavailable, or deceased. Obi emphasized that his administration would prioritize a collaborative partnership with his running mate to drive the nation forward.
"The government we intend to form will no longer be a government where anybody will say that the vice president is a spare tyre. The vice president will be a partner because we want to build a nation where there are two equal people who work for the greatness of the country," Obi said. "Decisions will be taken as partners. Everybody will be consulted. That is what we require, and that is how the government functions."
This promise echoes a similar commitment made ahead of the 2023 presidential election by Kashim Shettima, then the vice presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Shettima, now the country's vice president, had suggested at the time that he would share responsibilities with the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, if elected. "I have been in the theatre of conflicts for 18 years, I will lead the troops, my principal is an economic wizard who has transformed Lagos into the third largest economy in Africa. He will concentrate on the economy. By God's grace, I will handle the security, and not only handle the security, but I will lead the troops to battle across the length and breadth of this country," Shettima had said, referring to the division of duties between him and Tinubu.
Peter Obi's Plans for Nigeria
Speaking at the NDC convention, Obi highlighted insecurity as a major setback for Nigeria, noting that families and communities continue to suffer from the worsening situation across the country. He pointed out the irony that Nigeria receives global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, yet remains among the countries most affected by terrorism. The NDC presidential candidate vowed to tackle growing insecurity if elected. "We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. Our strategy will be intelligence-driven, technology-enhanced, proactive, and community-focused. We will fortify our security institutions, enhance operational coordination, support our courageous personnel, and tackle the underlying causes of insecurity—namely poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation," he said.
Obi also stressed that building a new Nigeria would be impossible without first uniting the country across ethnic, political, and religious divides. "We may communicate in different languages and practise diverse faiths, but we share a singular destiny under one flag. We should build bridges where others erect barriers, replace mistrust with confidence, division with understanding, and resentment with a collective purpose. A united Nigeria is indispensable," he added.
He further criticized the state of healthcare delivery, noting that the primary healthcare system is underperforming, which contributes to worsening infant mortality rates. Obi argued that Nigeria's health insurance coverage is currently around 10 percent, unlike countries such as Indonesia, which boast over 90 percent coverage. He assured that he would double the current coverage as part of efforts to revive the health sector. "Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10 percent of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5 percent. We shall also adequately staff our medical facilities. In four years, there will be a fully functional and properly managed primary healthcare centre in all 8,809 wards across the nation," he said.
Obi described education as a vital instrument for transformation, pledging significant investment to drive development. "We will invest heavily in schools, teachers, technology, and vocational training, ensuring that education equips our youth not only to seek employment but also to generate it," he added.
More Plans
Obi also identified corruption, energy, unemployment, hunger, and agriculture as areas his administration would address if elected. "Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum of 10,000 MW power increase in generation and distribution," he assured. "These improvements will be both measurable and verifiable," he said of his planned efforts on electricity. He also pledged to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. "Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness, and transparency," he stated.
