2027: I’m Not Bothered About ‘Spare Tyre’ Tag for Vice-Presidents — Kwankwaso

Senatorial candidate for Vice-President of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said he is not concerned about the perception of vice-presidents as “spare tyres” in government.

Kwankwaso stated this during the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday, expressing confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and their understanding ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the former Kano State governor, the influence and responsibilities of a vice-president depend largely on the relationship with the president.

He said he trusted Obi to maintain an arrangement based on cooperation, delegation of responsibilities and mutual respect if the NDC wins the 2027 election.

“A president who trusts his vice-president and gives him meaningful responsibilities can achieve more for the country,” Kwankwaso said.

He added that he was confident he would not be sidelined by Obi if they emerged victorious at the polls.

“And for me, I don’t think I will be sidelined by His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, if we win the 2027 election,” he said.

Kwankwaso, who previously served as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, minister and governor of Kano State, said his experience in public office had prepared him to work effectively within a leadership structure.

He recalled that while serving as governor of Kano State, he deliberately assigned substantial responsibilities to his deputy, saying the arrangement allowed both leaders to contribute more effectively to governance.

The former governor said he adopted a similar approach during his tenure as Minister of Defence, where he allowed the Minister of State to handle specific responsibilities within the ministry.

Kwankwaso argued that political leaders should avoid excessive control and allow capable deputies and officials to contribute to governance.

He said greed and the desire of political leaders to control every aspect of administration could undermine effective governance and limit the ability of government to deliver results.

The former Kano governor maintained that effective delegation remained essential to achieving better outcomes in public administration.

He said a president or governor who trusts members of the administration and gives them meaningful responsibilities would be better positioned to achieve more for the country.

Kwankwaso’s comments come as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.