Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has explained why he stepped aside from pursuing his presidential ambition to support Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso said his decision was influenced by Obi’s credibility, shared political beliefs and the need to maintain the country’s power-sharing arrangement between the North and South.

He made this known on Sunday while speaking with journalists at his residence in Kano, where he argued that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year presidential tenure before power returns to the North.

According to him, supporting Obi was a deliberate decision based on his conviction that the former Anambra State governor should have the opportunity to lead the country.

“I made a sacrifice for Peter Obi because he is credible and from the South. We have the same goals and beliefs. We are strong and can easily handle the country’s affairs,” he said.

Kwankwaso disclosed that he had contested for the presidency three consecutive times but decided to put his ambition aside to support Obi.

The NDC chieftain maintained that allowing the South to complete its turn would promote fairness and balance in Nigeria’s political system.

He also emphasised that Obi’s emergence would give the Southern region an opportunity to complete its share of the presidency before power rotates back to the North.