Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He insisted the alliance has no realistic chance of winning Kano State in the 2027 general election.
Ganduje told journalists on Tuesday that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket lacks the political strength, governance record and broad support needed to convince Kano voters ahead of the next presidential election.
Ganduje questions Obi’s record in office
Explaining his position, Ganduje questioned Peter Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State. According to him, the former governor failed to build a record strong enough to convince Nigerians that he could effectively lead the country.
“I don’t think Peter Obi and Kwankwaso’s ticket will succeed in Kano. It will not succeed. In fact, it is dead on arrival,” Ganduje said.
He also challenged Obi’s achievements while serving as governor. He asked what lasting impact the former Anambra governor made during his administration.
“Because Peter Obi was a governor in the South-East geopolitical zone, a governor in Anambra State. What did he do as a governor? What legacy did he leave as a governor?” he asked.
Furthermore, Ganduje questioned whether Obi had held any other major public office that proved his ability to govern Nigeria effectively.
“And from that, what other responsibility in governance did he hold that he made a mark to the extent that we believe he will be able to manage this country effectively and efficiently?”
Former APC chairman faults Kwankwaso’s political record
Turning to Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje argued that the former Kano governor did not achieve the same electoral success as other leaders who governed the state.
“Kwankwaso too, he was a governor of Kano State. He was not able to be a governor back-to-back,” he said.
In making the comparison, Ganduje contrasted Kwankwaso’s tenure with those of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and his own administration. According to him, both leaders secured two consecutive terms in office, unlike Kwankwaso.
“So far, the two other governors in Kano were able to win elections back-to-back. Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau was able to spend eight years straight. Myself, I was able to spend eight years straight.”
Ganduje says Kwankwaso lacks a lasting legacy
Finally, Ganduje maintained that Kwankwaso had not built a political legacy strong enough to persuade Kano residents or other Nigerians that he was prepared to serve successfully as the country’s vice-president.
“So I don’t think, even in Kano, what legacy specifically can you say that he has left in Kano that will convince the people of Kano, will convince the people of Nigeria that he will be a successful vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” Ganduje said.
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