The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed regret over his failure to form an alliance with the party's flagbearer, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 general election.
Kwankwaso said a joint presidential ticket with Obi could have defeated the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election.
He made the remarks on Saturday while addressing party supporters at the 360 Event Centre in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
"I did not truly understand Peter Obi until now. Had I understood him better in 2023, we would have collaborated and ousted the All Progressives Congress from the presidency," he said, drawing cheers from the audience.
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Kwankwaso had rejected proposals to run alongside Obi, arguing that he had more political experience and higher academic qualifications, including a PhD.
Kwankwaso described his alliance with Obi ahead of the 2027 general election as a turning point for national development.
He also disclosed that the NDC leadership had reached an agreement for him to head the Ministry of Education if the party wins the 2027 presidential election.
We would've defeated APC - Kwankwaso regrets not running with Peter Obi in 2023