The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have rejected claims by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, that a presidential ticket comprising Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso lacks the political credentials and legacy to win the 2027 presidential election.
The groups insisted that both Obi and Kwankwaso have proven records in governance and command significant political support capable of securing victory in Kano State and across Nigeria.
Ganduje had, on Tuesday, described a proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket on the platform of the NDC as “dead on arrival,” arguing that neither politician possessed the leadership credentials or political legacy required to lead the country.
He also questioned Obi’s achievements as governor of Anambra State and criticised Kwankwaso’s political record in Kano, insisting the alliance would fail to attract support in the state.
Reacting in an exclusive telephone interview, the NDC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, dismissed Ganduje’s comments, describing them as politically insignificant.
“I think Ganduje is just blabbing. But we in NDC believe that when we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. And we also believe that politics is about proof of your popularity,” he said.
Abdulsalam argued that Ganduje had lost political relevance in Kano State, claiming that the former APC chairman had been sidelined within his own party.
“Ganduje, as of today, is no longer popular in Kano. In fact, in his own party, he has been technically sidelined and has started losing ground in the ruling party.
“He cannot compare the APC in Kano State with the NDC. Our party has not participated in elections in Kano State so far, but I can tell you, with the way the NDC has put its house in order, we will win in Kano any time, any day,” he stated.
The NDC spokesman expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in future elections in Kano, attributing the optimism to Kwankwaso’s enduring political influence.
“We are confident of clearing all the State Assembly seats when the election is conducted. We are also confident of winning the senatorial, House of Representatives and governorship elections as well. That is because Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is a force to reckon with in Kano.”
He further noted that Ganduje previously served as Kwankwaso’s deputy governor, arguing that the former APC chairman owed much of his political rise to the former Kano governor.
“Don’t forget, Ganduje was his deputy back then, meaning that he was instrumental to Ganduje becoming the governor of Kano State.
“So no child can claim to be a bigger father than his father. No matter how highly educated and highly connected, he cannot have the wisdom of that father.
“So, if Ganduje is now claiming to be wiser than Kwankwaso, I think he is just playing to the gallery. He is not being serious as a politician.”
Abdulsalam also maintained that Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated his nationwide appeal, predicting that the former Anambra governor would attract even greater support in 2027.
“The whole world is aware of the six million votes or thereabout that Obi garnered in the last election. Again, the state of affairs in the country wasn’t as bad as it is today.
“The masses voted massively out of anger in favour of Peter Obi. So I can assure you that with the current state of things in the country, more votes will be recorded for him in the northern part of Nigeria,” he added.
Also reacting, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, questioned Ganduje’s credibility to assess the achievements of Obi and Kwankwaso.
“I don’t know why people still take Ganduje seriously. He has no credibility to challenge somebody who left N75 billion in the coffers of Anambra State.
“Despite having the opportunity to loot that particular money, he did not. Can you compare him with somebody who has been accused of stashing dollars in his pocket with a proven video? So where lies his credibility?” Tanko asked.
He also highlighted projects executed by Kwankwaso during his tenure as governor of Kano State, including major infrastructure and educational initiatives.
“He can’t also compare himself with the governor who did an octopus bridge in Kano, linking the old city and the new city together.
“In terms of education, it is unbelievable that Kwankwaso has sponsored people who have gone abroad and paid their school fees in full, without leaving any outstanding debts. That particular legacy has produced pilots, nurses and engineers for the state.”
Tanko concluded that Ganduje lacked the moral authority to criticise the records of either Obi or Kwankwaso.