In addition to his assessment of opposition candidates, Ganduje raised concerns about the increasing number of political parties in Nigeria. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to raise the standards for party registration, arguing that only parties with functional structures, clear ideologies, and broad national reach should be recognized. He believes that the current ease of party registration has led to the proliferation of “paper parties” that lack real political substance or grassroots engagement.
His comments come at a time when political realignments are already underway across the country, with various actors beginning early consultations for the 2027 elections. Ganduje’s remarks reflect the APC’s confidence in its dominance in the North and its strategic focus on maintaining control of key electoral zones. He reiterated that President Tinubu’s support base in the North, combined with the APC’s established machinery, gives the ruling party a significant advantage in the upcoming election.
Despite the growing popularity of opposition figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar in other regions, Ganduje insists that their inability to penetrate Northern Nigeria remains a critical weakness. He warned that without a strong presence in the North, any opposition candidate will struggle to secure the 24 million votes needed to win the presidency under Nigeria’s electoral system.
As the 2027 election approaches, Ganduje’s statements underscore the APC’s determination to defend its position and highlight the challenges facing opposition parties in building a unified, nationwide coalition. The political landscape is shifting, and the battle for the North may well determine the outcome of the next presidential race.
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