Former media aide to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has said the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso has a much longer and more distinguished political résumé than the party’s flag bearer, Peter Obi.
Ahmad said Kwankwaso and Obi can best be described as political colleagues and not a principal and a subordinate.
Posting on X, Ahmad said Kwankwaso’s decision to be Obi’s running mate should be seen as a sign of political humility.
He wrote: “To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi. The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.
“Before Peter Obi entered national politics, Kwankwaso was already working as Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives.
“He subsequently held office for two terms as Governor of Kano State, Nigeria’s most populous and politically dominant entity, and also served as a Minister within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State.