2027: NDC, Obidients Tackle Ganduje Over Obi, Kwankwaso Ticket

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have rejected former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje’s remarks that a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso cannot win the 2027 election.

The two groups argued that both Obi and Kwankwaso have built solid political records through their years in public office and still enjoy wide support across different parts of the country, especially in Kano State.

The reactions came after Ganduje described the proposed NDC presidential ticket of Obi and Kwankwaso as one that would not succeed. He maintained that neither politician had the political record or influence needed to secure victory in the next presidential election. He also questioned Obi’s performance as governor of Anambra State and dismissed Kwankwaso’s political strength in Kano.

Responding to the remarks, NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam said the party was not disturbed by Ganduje’s comments. According to him, Ganduje no longer commands the political influence he once enjoyed in Kano and has gradually lost ground within the APC.

Abdulsalam said political success is determined by the support of the people rather than public statements. He added that although the NDC has not yet contested elections in Kano, the party is confident it has built a strong structure capable of delivering victories whenever elections are held.

He also expressed confidence that the party could perform strongly across all elective positions in Kano, including the state House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship election. According to him, Kwankwaso remains one of the strongest political figures in the state and still enjoys the backing of many supporters.

The NDC spokesman recalled that Ganduje once served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor, arguing that the former governor played a major role in Ganduje’s rise to political prominence. He maintained that Ganduje’s attempt to portray himself as politically superior to Kwankwaso was not supported by the political history of Kano State.

Abdulsalam said the party would rather focus on preparing for elections than engage in prolonged exchanges with political opponents. He expressed confidence that the NDC would prove its strength when Nigerians eventually go to the polls.

Speaking further, he pointed to Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where the former Anambra governor secured about six million votes despite contesting under difficult political conditions. He argued that Nigeria’s current economic and social situation could lead to even stronger support for Obi in the 2027 election, including in parts of Northern Nigeria.

The Obidient Movement also dismissed Ganduje’s remarks. Its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, questioned the former APC chairman’s standing to assess the records of Obi and Kwankwaso.

Tanko argued that Obi left office in Anambra State with substantial savings and avoided allegations of mismanaging public funds. He contrasted Obi’s record with controversies that have surrounded Ganduje over the years, insisting that the former APC chairman lacked the moral authority to criticise the former governor.

He also defended Kwankwaso’s record in Kano, pointing to major infrastructure projects carried out during his administration, including the construction of the well-known octopus bridge linking parts of the city. Tanko added that Kwankwaso invested heavily in education by sponsoring many students to study abroad, a programme that produced professionals in fields such as aviation, engineering and healthcare.

According to Tanko, both Obi and Kwankwaso have left visible records of public service that continue to speak for them. He maintained that attempts to discredit the two politicians would not change public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also said the growing support for Peter Obi remained visible across different parts of the country, including Kano State, where many residents and community leaders continue to identify with the Obidient Movement. According to him, the movement’s expanding grassroots support reflects the growing appeal of Obi’s message ahead of the next general election.