The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have rejected former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje’s criticism of a proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket, insisting the two politicians possess the experience and support needed to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The groups were reacting to Ganduje’s remarks on Tuesday in which he described the proposed NDC ticket as “dead on arrival,” arguing that Obi and Kwankwaso lacked the political legacy and leadership credentials to secure victory. He also questioned their influence in Kano State and challenged their records as former governors of Anambra and Kano states, respectively.
Responding in an interview, NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, dismissed Ganduje’s comments, describing them as politically motivated and maintaining that the former APC chairman no longer enjoys significant political influence in Kano.
He said the NDC was confident of winning elections in Kano, citing the political strength of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, whom he described as a formidable force in the state’s politics.
Abdulsalam also argued that Kwankwaso played a key role in Ganduje’s political rise, noting that Ganduje served as Kwankwaso’s deputy before becoming governor.
On Peter Obi, the NDC spokesman said the former Anambra State governor’s performance in the 2023 presidential election demonstrated his nationwide appeal. He added that prevailing economic challenges could further increase Obi’s support across the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
Also reacting, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, faulted Ganduje’s assessment of both politicians, saying Obi and Kwankwaso have verifiable records of achievements in public office.
Tanko cited Obi’s fiscal management during his tenure as governor of Anambra State and highlighted Kwankwaso’s infrastructure projects and education programmes in Kano as evidence of their leadership credentials.
He maintained that Ganduje lacked the moral authority to question the records of the two politicians, insisting that their legacies would resonate with voters.
The political word exchange comes amid growing speculation over a possible alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election, although no official joint ticket has been formally announced.
