2027: Ganduje Declares Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket ‘Dead on Arrival’

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring that it stands no chance of succeeding in Kano State during the 2027 general election.

Ganduje made the remarks while speaking with journalists on Tuesday, insisting that the ticket lacks the political strength and leadership credentials needed to secure the support of Kano voters.

“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.

The former Kano State governor questioned Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, arguing that the former Labour Party presidential candidate did not leave behind achievements that would convince Nigerians of his ability to govern the country.

“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.

“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?”

Ganduje also criticised Kwankwaso’s political career, noting that unlike some former governors of Kano State, he did not serve two consecutive terms in office.

“Kwankwaso too, he was a governor of Kano State. He was not able to be a governor back-to-back,” he said.

“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.”

According to Ganduje, Kwankwaso has not built a legacy capable of convincing either Kano residents or Nigerians that he would make an effective 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?” he stated.

The comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties and emerging coalitions intensifying efforts to position themselves for the presidential contest.