A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, lack the political credentials and governance records needed to win the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Ganduje also dismissed the prospects of an Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket, insisting it would fail to gain acceptance in Kano State.
“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,” he said.
The former Kano State governor questioned Obi’s performance during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, arguing that the former governor had not demonstrated the leadership qualities required to govern Nigeria.
“Peter Obi was a governor in Anambra State. What did he do as a governor? What legacy did he leave as a governor?
“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 asked.
He also criticised Kwankwaso’s political career, noting that unlike some former governors of Kano State, he did not secure 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.
“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 said.
Ganduje argued that Kwankwaso had not built a political legacy capable of convincing voters in Kano or across the country that he was prepared to serve effectively at the national level.
“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?
“I think that, as I earlier said, it is dead on arrival,” he added
His remarks come amid increasing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general election, with political parties and leading figures positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested presidential race.