2027: Kwankwaso Fires Back at Ganduje Over ‘Dead on Arrival’ NDC Ticket Remark

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed claims by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, that the party’s presidential ticket stands no chance in the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso’s reaction follows Ganduje’s assertion that the NDC ticket, featuring former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, was “dead on arrival” and would fail to secure victory in Kano State.

The former APC chairman had argued that the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket lacked the political structure, leadership credentials and electoral strength required to challenge the ruling party, particularly in Kano, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.

Responding during an interview on News Central Television, Kwankwaso rejected Ganduje’s assessment, insisting the former Kano governor had no basis for making such predictions.

“Ganduje has no reason to make that statement,” Kwankwaso said.

Reflecting on Kano’s political history, the former governor noted that his political movement had previously supported Ganduje’s emergence as governor in 2015 but later defeated him politically.

“We supported him in 2015. In 2023, we defeated him and if he could not do anything when he was governor, what can he do now?” Kwankwaso stated.

The former Kano governor suggested that Ganduje no longer possesses the political influence necessary to determine electoral outcomes in the state.

The exchange adds to the growing political rivalry ahead of the 2027 general election, with both the APC and opposition parties intensifying efforts to strengthen their positions across key states.

Kano remains a major battleground because of its large voting population and strategic importance in presidential elections.

The NDC has repeatedly expressed confidence that the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso will attract widespread support across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, where Kwankwaso commands a substantial political following.

Ganduje, however, maintains that the ruling APC remains firmly in control of Kano and believes the opposition alliance lacks the political machinery required to unseat the party.

With political alignments continuing to evolve ahead of 2027, observers expect more exchanges between leaders of the major parties as campaigns gradually begin to gather momentum across the country.