The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje that the NDC’s Peter Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket has no chance of winning Kano State in the 2027 general election. Ganduje, speaking on Tuesday, declared the ticket “dead on arrival,” arguing it lacks the political strength and leadership record necessary to secure votes in the northern state. Kwankwaso responded firmly, questioning Ganduje’s credibility and political relevance, especially given his past failures in Kano.
Kwankwaso pointed out that Ganduje, who served as governor of Kano State, was defeated in the 2023 elections despite having the backing of the APC. He emphasized that the NDC had supported Ganduje in the 2015 elections, but when the political tide turned, Ganduje could not retain power. “We supported him in 2015. In 2023, we defeated him. If he could not do anything when he was governor, what can he do now?” Kwankwaso asked during an interview on News Central TV. His remarks underscored a broader narrative of political accountability and shifting voter sentiment in Kano.
The exchange highlights the growing intensity of political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Kano State, a key battleground in northern Nigeria. Ganduje’s criticism reflects the APC’s concern over the rising influence of the NDC, especially with Peter Obi’s strong appeal among younger voters and urban populations. However, Kwankwaso’s counter-argument draws attention to the APC’s own electoral setbacks, suggesting that past performance does not guarantee future success.
Kwankwaso’s response also serves as a strategic reminder that political power in Kano is not static. The 2023 gubernatorial election, where the APC candidate lost to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf, demonstrated that even entrenched parties can be displaced. This precedent strengthens Kwankwaso’s position as he positions the NDC as a credible alternative to the APC in the region.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the rivalry between the APC and NDC is expected to intensify, particularly in states like Kano where political dynamics are fluid and voter preferences are increasingly unpredictable. Kwankwaso’s defiant stance signals that the NDC is not backing down and is ready to contest every vote. The coming years will test whether the party can translate its growing momentum into electoral victories, especially in a state as politically significant as Kano.
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