POLITICS
2027: APC Governors Can’t Save Tinubu, Nigerians Are Tired of Suffering — Kwankwaso
2027: APC Governors Can’t Save Tinubu, Nigerians Are Tired of Suffering — Kwankwaso
Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed the growing number of governors supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting that political endorsements by governors do not necessarily translate into support from ordinary Nigerians.
Kwankwaso maintained that the country’s prevailing economic hardship, insecurity and widespread poverty would play significant roles in shaping the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a television interview, the former governor said the NDC presidential ticket, comprising Peter Obi and himself, was intensifying consultations and political mobilisation across the country ahead of the polls.
He explained that the party had adopted a grassroots campaign strategy involving visits, consultations and direct engagement with Nigerians across states and local government areas.
According to him, the party’s preparations are progressing despite the absence of elaborate campaign ceremonies comparable to those organised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I believe we’re doing very well. Our candidate, and of course, my humble self, are working around the clock. Now we are concentrating more on contacts, visits,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that the party intended to extend its political engagements to as many states and local government areas as possible before the election.
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Reacting to the political alignment of numerous governors behind Tinubu, Kwankwaso argued that some elected officials had become excessively dependent on presidential support rather than building independent political credibility among voters.
He described the trend as a reflection of what he considered a lack of confidence among governors in their ability to secure electoral victories without relying on the presidency.
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The former governor recalled his political experience between 1999 and 2003, arguing that Nigeria’s electoral history had demonstrated that incumbency and alliances among political officeholders were not guarantees of victory.
Kwankwaso also rejected suggestions that the APC’s growing alliance of governors and political elites had weakened the opposition’s prospects.
Responding to claims of an emerging elite consensus in support of Tinubu, he said there was a fundamental distinction between the interests of political elites and the experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
“Now, he was talking about elites. We are talking about the masses. So you can see the fundamental difference,” he stated.
He accused some political figures supporting the current administration of being disconnected from the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians in rural and urban communities.
According to him, citizens struggling with rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and poverty would ultimately determine the direction of the next election.
Kwankwaso further expressed concern over the possibility of electoral malpractice, alleging that some politicians were relying on manipulation rather than genuine public support.
He claimed to have received reports of individuals boasting about their ability to alter election results, although he did not provide evidence identifying those involved.
Turning to insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, the former governor argued that successive administrations had failed to adequately address the underlying causes of violence.
He cited his experience in Kano State, where he said investments in education, youth empowerment, agriculture and security coordination helped tackle social conditions contributing to insecurity.
Kwankwaso recalled that security agencies, including the police, military, Department of State Services and civil defence authorities, worked closely during his administration to counter security threats.
He also highlighted educational initiatives, including the establishment of universities, vocational institutions and foreign scholarship programmes, as examples of policies that could form part of a broader national security strategy.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate disclosed that party committees were developing a comprehensive policy blueprint covering security, education, economic development and other national priorities.
He said the document would be presented to Nigerians as the party intensified preparations for the 2027 election.
Kwankwaso maintained that, rather than relying solely on endorsements from political officeholders, the NDC was focusing on building support among ordinary citizens.
His remarks underscore the growing political debate over whether the consolidation of governors and other influential figures behind the ruling party will translate into electoral support at the grassroots.
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