Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the prospects of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2027 general election, arguing that the duo lack the governance credentials and political legacy required to secure victory at the polls.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Ganduje said an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would struggle to gain acceptance in Kano State, insisting that the alliance would fail to make any meaningful electoral impact in the state.
According to him, the proposed ticket lacks the political strength needed to challenge the ruling party, particularly in Kano, where he believes the electorate would reject the NDC’s presidential bid.
“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 declared.
The former Kano State governor questioned Obi’s record during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, arguing that the former governor had not demonstrated exceptional leadership capable of inspiring confidence in his ability to govern Nigeria.
Ganduje challenged supporters of the former Anambra governor to point to landmark achievements that would justify his ambition to become Nigeria’s president.
“Peter Obi was a governor in Anambra State. What did he do as a governor? What legacy did he leave as a governor?” he asked.
He further questioned Obi’s experience beyond his time as governor, arguing that he had not occupied any other significant public office where he distinguished himself through outstanding performance.
“And from that, what other responsibility in governance did he hold where he made a mark to the extent that we believe he will be able to manage this country effectively and efficiently?” Ganduje said.
Turning to Kwankwaso, the former APC national chairman also criticised the political career of the former Kano State governor, contending that his inability to secure two consecutive terms in office reflected a lack of sustained political dominance in the state.
According to Ganduje, Kwankwaso’s electoral history contrasts sharply with those of other former governors of Kano State who successfully secured re-election and served uninterrupted eight-year tenures.
“Kwankwaso too, he was a governor of Kano State. He was not able to be a governor back-to-back,” Ganduje said.
He pointed out that former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau completed two consecutive terms in office, while he also governed Kano State for eight straight years after winning re-election.
“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.
“But he was not able, after the first term, to return until after eight years,” he stated.
Ganduje maintained that Kwankwaso had not left behind a political legacy capable of persuading the people of Kano or Nigerians generally that he possesses the qualities required to serve as Nigeria’s vice-president.
He argued that voters would ultimately assess candidates based on their records in public office and the impact of their administrations.
“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 and the people of Nigeria that he will be a successful vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” he asked.
Reiterating his position, Ganduje insisted that the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso partnership would not resonate with Kano voters and would therefore fail to achieve its electoral objective.
“I think that, as I earlier said, it is dead on arrival,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political actors forming new alliances and repositioning their parties in preparation for what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential race.
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso emerged as his running mate following the party’s presidential convention.
Their alliance has generated considerable political debate, with supporters describing it as a strategic partnership capable of attracting votes across the country’s southern and northern regions. However, critics, including Ganduje, have questioned both the political viability of the ticket and the governance records of the candidates.
Political observers believe the coming months will witness intensified campaigns, policy debates and exchanges among the country’s leading political figures as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
