Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed regret over his failure to form an alliance with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, said he would have agreed to work with Obi if he had known him as closely as he does now.
He spoke in Dutse, Jigawa State, during the presentation of certificates of return to some NDC candidates for the 2027 elections.
The former governor said his interactions with Obi had revealed that they shared similar interests, particularly in education and human development.
He cited his administration’s foreign scholarship programme in Kano, through which more than 3,000 beneficiaries were sponsored to study abroad.
According to him, the programme was implemented without borrowing from domestic or foreign banks, attributing its success to efforts to block avenues for corruption.
Kwankwaso said the NDC intended to replicate similar initiatives nationwide if elected, including renovating schools, recruiting qualified teachers and improving primary, secondary and tertiary education.
He also criticised members of the National Assembly over their handling of policies and bills presented by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the tax reform laws.
He alleged that some lawmakers approved the tax bills despite concerns about their potential impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Kwankwaso further accused the Federal Government of delaying the implementation of tax collection out of fear of losing the 2027 general election.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to be complacent ahead of the elections, advising voters to carefully assess political promises.
Meanwhile, the NDC governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Dr Aminu Musa Dutse, promised to overhaul the state’s administration if elected.
He identified the welfare of pensioners and the revival of the education sector as key priorities, describing the condition of both sectors as requiring urgent attention.
