Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has dismissed the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, describing it as “dead on arrival” in Kano ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the former Kano State governor said the proposed alliance lacked the political strength, governance record and public confidence required to secure victory 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,” Ganduje said.
Questioning Obi’s credentials, Mr Ganduje challenged the former Anambra State governor’s record in office.
“Peter Obi was a governor in the South-East geopolitical zone, 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 serving as governor, arguing that he had not demonstrated the capacity to effectively manage the country.
“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?” he added.
Turning to his former political ally, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje argued that the former Kano governor’s inability to secure a second consecutive term reflected his limited political appeal.
“Kwankwaso too was a governor of Kano State. He was not able to be governor back-to-back.
“The two other governors in Kano were able to win elections back-to-back. Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau spent eight years straight. I also spent eight years straight.
“But he was not able to return after his first term until eight years later,” Ganduje said.
The former APC chairman also questioned Kwankwaso’s legacy in Kano, insisting that it was insufficient to convince voters that he would make an effective vice-president.
“So, I don’t think, even in Kano, what legacy specifically can you say he has left that will convince the people of Kano, or the people of Nigeria, that he will be a successful vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
“As I said earlier, it is dead on arrival,” Mr Ganduje declared.