NDC administration would move swiftly to constitute its cabinet after inauguration, avoiding prolonged delays that could slow down the implementation of government policies
By Moses Okorie
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said appointments into political offices under an NDC-led government would be guided primarily by competence, experience and the country’s needs rather than political loyalty or personal relationships.
Kwankwaso made the declaration on Sunday in Abuja while appearing on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series, where he outlined the party’s approach to governance if it wins the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, the task of governing Nigeria requires a combination of experienced politicians, technocrats and professionals with the expertise needed to manage the various ministries, departments and agencies of government.
“Power will be shared according to the needs of the country. Technocrats and qualified politicians with the prerequisite knowledge will be appointed,” Kwankwaso said.
He explained that the president and vice-president alone could not effectively run a country as complex as Nigeria, stressing the importance of surrounding the administration with capable and knowledgeable individuals.
Kwankwaso noted that specialised ministries would require appointees with relevant professional backgrounds and practical experience to ensure efficient service delivery.
The former Defence Minister, who is also a civil engineer and former civil servant, argued that technocrats should not automatically be viewed as people outside politics, pointing out that many politicians possess strong professional qualifications and experience.
He also said an NDC administration would move swiftly to constitute its cabinet after inauguration, avoiding prolonged delays that could slow down the implementation of government policies.
According to him, elected officials have only four years to fulfil their mandates and should therefore begin work immediately after assuming office.
Kwankwaso said competence, capacity and experience would remain the key criteria for selecting those who would serve in government, with the ultimate objective of improving governance and delivering better outcomes for Nigerians.
He added that he was comfortable serving as vice-president because public service should be driven by the desire to contribute to national development rather than the pursuit of political titles.
Kwankwaso maintained that effective delegation of responsibilities to qualified appointees would enable an NDC government to provide good governance and improve the welfare of Nigerians.