Peter Obi reels out a plan for Nigeria, says Kwankwaso won’t be ‘a spare tyre’

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, says his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will work as his partner and not a “spare tyre” if elected in the 2027 election.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, spoke at the NDC’s convention on Saturday shortly after he announced Mr Kwankwaso as running mate following his ratification as the party’s presidential candidate in Abuja.

“Spare tyre” is a Nigerian expression used to describe deputy governors or vice presidents who are largely ceremonial and only given real responsibility or power when the substantive leader is incapacitated, unavailable or dead.

Speaking at the event, the NDC presidential candidate said his administration would prioritise partnership with his running mate to move the country 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,” he said.

“Decisions will be taken as partners. Everybody will be consulted. That is what we require, and that is how the government functions.”

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, then-Vice Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Kashim Shettima, made a similar promise.

Mr 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,” Mr Shettima had said, referring to shared responsibilities between him and Mr Tinubu.

Mr Obi while speaking at the NDC convention said insecurity remained a major setback for Nigeria, pointing out that families and communities continue to bear the brunt of the worsening situation across the country.

The former governor stressed that it was ironic that Nigeria continued to receive global recognition as a reliable contributor to peacekeeping, and conflict resolution, but has remained among the countries most affected by terrorism.

The NDC presidential candidate vowed to tackle growing insecurity in Nigeria 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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Obi also said the task of 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 said.

He further stressed that Nigeria currently battles poor healthcare delivery while the country’s primary healthcare system is underfunctioning which he argued is responsible for the worsening infant mortality rates.

Mr Obi argued that Nigeria’s health insurance coverage was currently around 10 per cent unlike in countries like Indonesia, which boast over 90 per cent coverage, assuring that he would double the 10 per cent as part of his efforts to revive the country’s health sector.

“Within these four years, we will increase our healthcare budget to a minimum of 10 per cent of our GDP, up from the current level of below 5 per cent. 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.

The NDC candidate noted education is an important instrument of transformation, pledging to invest heavily in education to drive the country’s 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.

Mr Obi also identified corruption, energy, unemployment, hunger and agriculture as areas which 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.