Peter Obi, Kwankwaso’s ticket dead on arrival – Ganduje, predicts defeat in Kano

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has ruled out the chances of a proposed presidential ticket pairing Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting the alliance would fail to gain traction in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general election. 

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the former Kano State governor argued that the ticket lacks the political influence, leadership record and governance experience needed to win the confidence of Kano voters.

“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 declared. 

Ganduje questioned the legacy of Peter Obi's administration in Anambra State, contending that the former governor had not built a governance record capable of convincing Nigerians of his readiness to lead the country.

“Because 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 queried Obi's broader public service experience, adding:

“And from that, what other responsibility in governance did he hold that he made a mark to the extent that we believe he will be able to manage this country effectively and efficiently?” 

Turning to Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ganduje argued that the former Kano governor's political career compared unfavourably with those of other former state leaders, noting that Kwankwaso did not serve two consecutive terms.

“Kwankwaso too, he was a governor of Kano State. He was not able to be a governor back-to-back,” Ganduje said.

Drawing comparisons, he added:

“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.” 

The remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with the proposed Obi–Kwankwaso alliance under the NDC expected to reshape the opposition landscape. Ganduje, however, maintained that the combination lacks the electoral appeal required to secure victory in Kano State.