Mr Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, has vowed to create an inclusive government in partnership with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Obi said in his government, the Vice President would never be considered as a “spare tyre” because Kwankwaso would be actively involved.

On Saturday at the NDC national convention in Abuja, Obi named Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Obi and Kwankwaso took part in the last presidential election but ended up in third and fourth place, respectively.

They were behind former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, who was announced as the winner.

Kwankwaso ran for election with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and only won in Kano, a state where he still has a strong political presence.

Obi said: “The government we plan to create will not be one where anyone can claim that the vice president is just a spare part.

“The vice president will be a partner because we aim to create a country where two equal individuals work together for the country’s success.

“Decisions will be taken as partners. Everybody will be consulted. That’s what we need, and that’s how the government works.

“With this in mind, I happily accept the support as the candidate for this wonderful party.

“I would like to invite Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to be my vice-presidential candidate.”

Obi noted that Kwankwaso believes in the same values, especially the idea of a fair society where anyone, no matter their background, has the chance to succeed.

“He believes in education and security. We will join forces to make sure it happens,” he said.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has said it will not present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, opting instead to explore alliances with other political parties.
The party made this known during its 11th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Saturday.

Speaking at the meeting, the Acting National Chairman of the party, Bala Mohammed, said the decision was taken in the interest of the country and the need to support a credible candidate capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“We are not going to have a presidential candidate in our party, but we are open to an alliance,” he said.

According to him, the party would carefully assess candidates presented by other political parties before deciding who to support.

“It is not compulsory to field a presidential candidate just for the sake of it. We need to see those who have emerged from other political parties and determine whether they are credible, qualified and capable of leading Nigeria,” he added.

Mohammed explained that the current situation in the country requires political parties to work together rather than compete unnecessarily.

On speculations that the party may align with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), he said no decision has been taken, stressing that the NNPP remains open to working with any party whose ideology aligns with its own.

“As of 2023, the presidential candidate we fielded was the most qualified and credible, but he has since left our party. We wish him all the best,” he said.

He noted that the absence of a candidate of similar standing within the party also influenced the decision not to field a presidential aspirant in 2027.

Meanwhile, the NEC also ratified Mohammed’s appointment as Acting National Chairman following the resignation of the former chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, who recently defected to another party.

The party also confirmed the appointment of acting state chairmen for Ogun, Delta, Nasarawa and Cross River States.

Labour Party in Rivers State has elected Chima Ernest Boms as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election. 

Boms emerged through the party’s consensus nomination process, having been the sole aspirant for the position. 

His candidacy was ratified by party members across the 23 local government areas of the state during a special nomination congress. 

Announcing the result in Port Harcourt on Saturday, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee and Returning Officer, retired Colonel Emeka Osuagu, said the process complied with the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the party’s electoral guidelines. 

Osuagu stated that Boms was duly affirmed by party members and delegates during the special nomination congress and had satisfied all constitutional and procedural requirements for nomination. 

He said, “Declaration statement for the sole aspirant or consensus candidate ratifies at the special nomination congress by affirmation at various constituencies and returned at the State Collation Center, where official positions for all positions will be declared and formal returned made.

“I, Cornel retired Emeka C. Osuagu hereby affirm that I am the Returning Officer of the Labour Party for the gubernatorial primary election held on the 30th day of May, 2026.

“I further affirm that Chima Ernest Boms contested the governorship primary election as the sole aspirant of the party and was duly ratified and affirmed by the majority of members/delegates of the party and special nomination congress, conducted in accordance with the constitution of the Labour Party, the Electoral Act, 2026 and the Labour Party Electoral Guidelines 2026.

“Accordingly, even certified all constitutional and procedural requirements, Chima Ernest Boms is hereby declared the winner and duly returned elected as the governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

“Chima Ernest Boms will be contesting the governorship position in 2027.”

Speaking after his emergence, Boms said Nigeria requires comprehensive reforms in critical sectors, including security, education, power, healthcare, and the economy. 

He stressed the need to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve the quality of education, noting that greater emphasis should be placed on learning outcomes rather than the acquisition of certificates alone.

The Labour Party candidate also called for increased investment in electricity generation and improvements in the healthcare sector to enhance the well-being of citizens.

On the economy, Boms said efforts must be made to improve the ease of doing business in Rivers State to create opportunities for residents and reduce dependence on government.

He said the Labour Party would unveil its policies and programmes at the appropriate time, adding that the family remains the foundation of the party’s philosophy.

According to him, many societal challenges can be addressed when families are strengthened and function effectively.

Other candidates who emerged through the Labour Party’s consensus nomination process include the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, for the Rivers East Senatorial District; Kinanee Sam for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District; Izu Ibisime for the Rivers South-West Senatorial District; and Chizunemma Godwin for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, among others.